By Shikin Louis & Chris Bishop

KUCHING, Oct 28: Batu Kawa will construct four dry ponds, including those at MJC and Pine Square, to mitigate flash flooding and provide recreational spaces, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Batu Kawa’s dry areas could be converted into detention ponds to store excess rainwater, which would then gradually flow into the river once rainfall subsides.

“The Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park in Singapore is similar to Batu Kawa in this respect.

“With the dry pond, it will serve as a recreational place during dry periods. When it’s flooding, it will manage the excess floodwater,” he said when officiating the opening ceremony of Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multipurpose Hall in Batu Kawa here today.

He noted that similar projects have been successfully implemented worldwide as part of urban water management and flood intervention strategies.

“In light of this, I have agreed with Dr Sim (Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian) to integrate this method into Batu Kawa’s long-term masterplan,” he added.

Earlier in his speech, Dr Sim who is the Sarawak Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG) and Batu Kawa assemblyman, stated that Batu Kawa will construct four dry ponds.

Two of the ponds will be situated at the MJC roundabout and Pine Square area, involving a cost of RM40 million and covering over 10 acres of land, he revealed.

“We are going to show to people that the dry ponds can serve as recreational areas except for the flood season, which occurs about four to five times a year—the excess water will ‘sit’ there. This is a new way of addressing urban flash flooding,” he stressed.

Dr Sim also mentioned that since 2016, the Premier has approved ongoing flood mitigation and drainage upgrade projects totalling RM160 million.

“We have also highlighted to the Premier just now that an additional RM40 million is needed to complete the entire project,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily