KUCHING: Kota Sentosa Assemblyman YB Wilfred Yap is not happy about the delay in the status of the RM350 million flood mitigation project at the Stampin Resettlement Scheme.
Yap who went with Penghulu Jakup Buan, TR Michael Mada, and representatives from local JKKKs, held a site meeting there with officers from the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and their appointed consultant to review the project.
He said it was first announced by Premier YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on 16 November 2022, and followed by a kick-off meeting chaired by Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datu Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel on July 13, 2023 but the project has yet to see any physical progress.
Despite strong state-level support and allocated funding, no on-the-ground work has begun, causing deep concern among the affected residents, he said.
During the meeting, Yap highlighted the prolonged delays and the hardship endured by residents facing frequent flash floods. He stressed that the issue goes beyond infrastructure and involves the safety, health, and dignity of the people, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly and children.
“This is a matter of urgency. The community has waited long enough. I urge DID and the consultant to treat this with the seriousness it deserves and to speed up the remaining technical and planning work,” he said.
Yap Stated that flood mitigation is a fundamental responsibility, not a luxury. He called on all agencies involved to work together and deliver the project as promised.
The meeting ended with a unified call from local leaders and Yap for immediate commencement of physical works to ensure residents can finally live in safety and peace of mind.
By Connie Chieng