A photo taken during the site inspection.

KUCHING (Oct 26): Three major drainage systems in Desa Wira Sinar Budi Baru, Batu Kawa here are being upgraded and are progressing ahead of schedule, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The works include upgrading works along Lorong Desa Wira 17B1 and 17B2 costing over RM3.54 million; Lorong Desa Wira 17B3 and 17B4 costing over RM3.27 million; and Lorong Desa Wira 17A6 costing over RM4.37 million, he said.

“Collectively, these three projects involve the construction and improvement of 3,843.6 metres of drainage systems with an expected completion date of February 2025,” he said in a statement today following an inspection conducted by the Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) on Friday.

Dr Sim, who is Batu Kawa assemblyman, expressed his satisfaction with the work progress of the new concrete drain from the original earth drain when the resettlement scheme started over 40 years ago.

He reminded the contractors to maintain high-quality standards throughout the project, which will greatly benefit the local community.

Dr Sim quoted the DID as saying the expected progress for the Lorong Desa Wira 17B1 and 17B2 drainage system was 52.06 per cent but the actual completion rate had reached 53.21 per cent.

The Lorong Desa Wira 17B3 and 17B4 drainage works had reached 58.45 per cent, well ahead of the 52.10 per cent target, while the Lorong Desa Wira 17A6 upgrade had achieved 43.89 per cent, exceeding its 42.93 per cent target, he said.

“Drainage issues are an ongoing process, especially with increasing rainfall and development in the surrounding areas. The Sarawak government continuously explores and implements effective solutions to alleviate and reduce the risk of floods,” he said.

Dr Sim added a retention pond would be constructed in the area as part of Desa Wira drainage system and flash flood mitigation plan.

According to him, this comprehensive project, which includes surrounding drainage system upgrades, would cost RM20 million and is part of the Sarawak government’s ‘Projek Rakyat’ initiative. The project is expected to be completed in 20 months.

“Together with other ongoing retention pond projects (at MJC and Pines Square) costing over RM40 million, it would help with overall flood mitigation in Batu Kawa. The Sarawak government remains committed to ensuring the wellbeing of its residents by investing in long-term infrastructure improvements that address the region’s drainage challenges,” he said.