KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has officially launched the construction of a third detention pond in Batu Kawa, Desa Wira, with a total contract value of RM14.5 million. 

The project, expected to be completed within 20 months, aims to address persistent flood issues in the area and enhance the local drainage system's overall efficiency.

The handover of the letters of award for the project was witnessed by Sarawak Deputy Premier and Batu Kawah Assemblyman, Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, and Sarawak Director of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Datu Ir. Ts. Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi, who presented the award to the successful contractor.

The Desa Wira detention pond will cover approximately five acres of land and is designed to hold over 30,000 cubic meters of water, which is equivalent to the capacity of around 12,000 water tankers. 

The pond's size is comparable to 60 detached houses or 250 strata apartments. Construction is set to begin on November 25, 2024, with completion anticipated by July 24, 2026.

This detention pond is part of a broader initiative that includes two other detention ponds in Batu Kawa: one at MJC New Township and another at Pine Square commercial area. 

The MJC New Township pond, costing RM19.88 million, is expected to be finished by May 2026, while the Pine Square pond, with a budget of RM22.5 million, is set for completion by November 2026.

Datuk Amar Dr. Sim noted that the Desa Wira detention pond is a crucial element of the Phase 1 Desa Wira/Kampung Sinar Budi Baru flood mitigation plan, which has a total project value of RM20 million. 

This new detention pond marks the final milestone in Phase 1. Looking ahead, Phase 2 of the flood mitigation project, with an estimated budget of RM40 million, is scheduled to open for tender next year.

Datuk Amar Dr. Sim explained that Desa Wira, being a low-lying area undergoing rapid development, has experienced severe flooding during heavy rains. 

He stressed that addressing this issue requires a comprehensive and systematic approach, rather than relying on isolated upgrades or individual projects. 

A combination of upgrading internal drains, expanding external drainage systems, and constructing detention ponds is key to mitigating flood risks effectively in the region.

The Sarawak Government is committed to improving the quality of life for local residents and supporting sustainable economic growth in the area through these integrated drainage and flood mitigation initiatives.-UKASnews