Tiang (third centre) inspects the completed drainage culvert upgrade at Jalan Kandis.

SIBU (June 29): Two projects under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) worth a combined RM300,000 in the Pelawan constituency have been completed, improving road safety and public amenities for residents.

Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said the first project involved upgrading the drainage culvert system at Jalan Kandis, where the previous culvert had cracked and subsided, posing a danger to motorists, particularly at night due to the narrow road and shallow drain.

“The original one-metre culvert has been replaced with a new structure built using stronger and more durable materials. Although this is a residential area, the road is frequently used by heavy vehicles such as lorries.

“Based on a briefing by engineers from the Sibu Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the new culvert is capable of supporting heavy vehicle loads over the long term,” he told reporters during a final inspection of the RTP projects on Monday.

The Pelawan assemblyman said the remaining ageing culverts in the constituency would be upgraded in phases to further enhance road access.

The second project involved upgrading a 146-metre pedestrian walkway behind Taman Selera Muhibbah near Lorong Taman Seduan 8, including reconstruction and beautification works along the monsoon drain.

Tiang said the existing structure had deteriorated over the years after being damaged by excavators during drain maintenance works.

“What was once an abandoned back lane has now been transformed. With the completion of this project, residents can use the walkway for recreational activities and morning exercise,” he said.

Commenting on the condition of the monsoon drain, he said structure had caused sections of its concrete base to eroded, exposingt soil and creating unpleasant odours, particularly during the dry season.

Following complaints from nearby residents, Tiang said he had instructed the Sibu DID to prepare a comprehensive long-term proposal to overhaul and upgrade the entire monsoon drainage system in the area.

“This monsoon drain is critical as it serves as the main channel for carrying and pumping monsoon overflow from Pelawan and Bukit Assek into the Seduan River.

“I have asked the Sibu DID to prepare a well-planned long-term plan to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents,” he added.