Awang Zamhari (centre) explains the proposed waterfront development plan to Abang Johari and other distinguished guests during the site visit. – Photos by Jude Toyat

GEDONG (July 26): The Sarawak government has approved an allocation of RM15 million to redevelop the Gedong Waterfront, following a severe riverbank collapse caused by recent soil erosion that damaged several homes and infrastructure.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the funding would go towards the reconstruction of the river embankment, based on assessments provided by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).

“We have no choice but to rebuild the waterfront embankment, and according to DID’s projection, it will involve an allocation of RM15 million, which I have approved.

“It will be carried out immediately—I have given the approval, and DID has committed to undertake the project,” he told reporters after visiting the erosion site and attending the Pesta Gedong event here today.

Abang Johari, who is also Gedong assemblyman, said the redevelopment would also include planning for the affected villages, with discussions to be held involving local leaders including his special representative in Gedong, Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais, and the local Member of Parliament.

Abang Johari (fifth right) joins the winning paddlers for a group photo following the prize presentation at Pesta Gedong today.

The soil erosion incident had caused five houses to collapse.

The state government, he said, would provide assistance by rebuilding the houses at a new, safer resettlement site.

“We have decided to offer relocation to the five affected families. We will help them rebuild their homes, but not in the same area. They will be relocated to a new resettlement area,” he said.

Abang Johari also acknowledged that traditional villages around Gedong are facing long-standing issues such as narrow roads and limited access, further supporting the need for a complete redevelopment plan.

Recently, Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee and Naroden visited the site to inspect the worsening erosion.

Rodiyah noted that the damage had affected public infrastructure and nearby homes, including reports of cracked walls and leaning streetlights posing a potential safety hazard.

Earlier, Abang Johari presented prizes at the Bidar 25 Pekayuh Lelaki (Pecut) Akhir race, where Team Komeng Sri Berjaya clinched victory with a time of 2 minutes 7 seconds, followed by Landas Azam Kasihnya Warisan 2 at 2:14, and Hazanah MD Gedong in third at 2:21.

He also witnessed the traditional boat race held as part of the festival.

Also present were Naroden, Rodiyah, Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris, and Sarawak Land and Survey Department director Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood.