GEDONG – The Gedong Riverbank, which has suffered serious erosion due to landslides and environmental damage, will soon undergo a full reconstruction following safety concerns affecting nearby residents.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg announced a RM15 million allocation for the project, approved based on recommendations from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).
“We have just rebuilt the riverbank, and according to the DID, another RM15 million is needed to stabilise the area. I have approved the funding,” he told reporters during a site visit to the affected location on Saturday.
The erosion has already rendered five houses unsafe. In response, the affected families have been relocated to new settlements where they have been provided with newly built homes.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari, who is also the Gedong assemblyman, said further efforts will be made to revitalise the original Gedong settlement.
“Before this, access was only by river. Now there’s a road, but it is too narrow. In emergencies, fire and rescue teams find it difficult to enter. That’s why we are considering a full redevelopment of the area,” he explained.
During the visit, the Premier also officiated at the Gedong Festival’s Bidar 25 Men’s Final Swimming event, part of the annual Gedong Regatta 2025.
In an exciting race, Komeng Sri Berjaya emerged victorious with a time of 2 minutes 7 seconds, followed by Landas Azam Kasihnya Warisan 2 (2:14), and Hazanah MD Gedong (2:21) in third place.
Premier Abang Zohari later presented awards to the winners, adding a festive highlight to the ongoing community celebration in Gedong.
