KUCHING: The Phase 1 flood mitigation project at Taman Desa Wira (Lorong 17), which includes the construction of a detention pond and the upgrading of a 2.5-kilometre internal drainage system, is progressing as scheduled with 19 percent completion.
Deputy Premier and Batu Kawah assemblyman Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the project, which began on 25 November 2024 and is expected to be completed in 20 months by 24 July 2026, carries a tender value of RM14.5 million with a ceiling of RM20 million.
“The dry pond, also known as a detention pond, is one of four proposed for Batu Kawah, three of which are currently under construction. This particular site covers over 14 acres and is designed to hold more than 40,000 cubic metres of rainwater – equivalent to the volume of 12,000 water trucks,” he said during a site visit alongside Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Director Dato Ir Ahmad Danny, Principal Assistant Director of DID Sarawak’s Flood Management Division Ir Jamesy Ak Mijek, and their team.
Dr Sim said discussions are ongoing with DID to incorporate multipurpose features such as soccer fields and walking tracks, so the dry pond can be used by the community on the approximately 335 days a year when it is not needed for flood management.
He also revealed that Phase 2 of the flood mitigation plan for Taman Desa Wira, covering Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, has completed its design and will be tendered this year. It includes more than one kilometre of bunds, a three-metre-wide pedestrian walkway, a second dry pond, pumping stations, and upgraded local drainage. The project has a ceiling allocation of RM44 million.
“To put it in perspective, RM44 million is roughly equivalent to giving RM1,500 in financial aid to about 26,600 university students. But once Phase 1 and Phase 2 are completed, they will help mitigate the frequent flooding of 58 hectares in Taman Desa Wira and Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, directly benefiting around 4,000 residents,” he said.
Dr Sim stressed that regardless of whether funding comes from the Federal or State government, what matters most is delivering results for the people.
“Since 2016, it has been my personal principle that whether the money is federal or state, as long as we fight to get it to solve the problems faced by the people of Batu Kawah, that is what truly matters,” he said.
By Connie Chieng