DID divisional engineer Daniel Chen (third right) briefs Lee (second right) on the drainage-clearing project in Desa Pujut.

MIRI (Sept 22): The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has completed two of three major drainage-clearing projects to mitigate flood problems under the Senadin constituency, said Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

The state Transport Minister said the completed works include the clearing of a four-hectare water retention pond at Jalan Ilmu, and drainage clearing along a 5.5km stretch at Jalan Kebun Nanas which was completed on Sept 6.

“The third and largest project, covering 12.6km of storm drain at Desa Pujut in Permyjaya leading to Sungai Adong, begins today (Sept 22).

“The works involve the removal of water hyacinth and siltation in Desa Pujut, an area badly affected by floods last year,” said the Senadin assemblyman during a site visit today.

The project, he added, is expected to be completed by this year end.

He said in total, the three projects cost nearly RM250,000, with the major storm drain-clearing project alone valued at RM144,720.

Lee pointed out that while the DID carries out such works under its periodic annual maintenance programme, it has been asked to prepare a proper schedule so that maintenance is done regularly every year.

At the same time, he urged Miri City Council (MCC) to step up efforts in clearing roadside and perimeter drains.

“Blockages in roadside drains can cause flash floods. I have reminded the MCC to complete this work before the monsoon season,” he said.