MIRI: The Miri City Council (MBM) needs to take immediate action to resolve the problem of clogged drains in the Desa Senadin residential area which is at risk of flash floods ahead of the rainy season.
Sarawak Transport Minister and Senadin Assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the problem of stagnant water and poor flow in several main drains has been ongoing for a long time and needs to be given serious attention.
“I have instructed the council to examine where the water flow is blocked.
“Don’t just clean the inside of the drain, but also the outlet at the end,” he said while inspecting the condition of the drainage system in Desa Senadin Phase 8, here, on Friday.
Dato Sri Lee added that the MBM engineering division responsible for drainage maintenance was also asked to go to the field to see the actual situation for themselves and ensure that the cleaning work was carried out thoroughly, including in small ditches on the side of the road and around residential areas.
“We have entered the rainy season. If not addressed immediately, this area could be the main cause of local flooding problems,” he stressed.
He also explained that the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) had carried out cleaning work in the main parts such as water reservoirs and large drains, but the flow in residential areas still needed to be maintained by the council.
“DID has cleaned the main ponds and channels, including the bridge and artificial lake areas. But if the small drains on the side of the road are still clogged, the water still cannot flow out,” he said.
Dato Sri Lee also stressed that the condition of roads in flood-risk areas also needs to be paid attention to because damage often occurs due to stagnant water for a long period of time.
He said that a comprehensive solution must be implemented immediately to ensure smooth water flow and prevent repeated flooding in the future.
Also present were Councillor Leslie Lau Ik Chie, Councillor Hiung Chien Yih and Councillor Toh Kah Shiong. -UKASnews