MIRI — A series of drainage and water catchment cleaning projects are underway across several neighbourhoods in Miri City in an effort to mitigate flash flood risks.
On Monday, Sarawak Transport Minister and Senadin Assemblyman, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, inspected three project sites: Jalan Dato Permaisuri 5A, Jalan Ilmu near Curtin University, and the pineapple farming area at Jalan Adong.
The visit also marked the handover of a new contract for the cleaning of the main drain at Jalan Dato Permaisuri 5A.
Two earlier projects have already been completed this month. These included the cleaning of a four-hectare catchment pond at Jalan Ilmu, costing RM50,000, and the maintenance of drains at Jalan Adong’s pineapple area, valued at RM41,520.
A larger initiative, worth RM144,720, has now been awarded to contractors for the cleaning of a 12.6-kilometre main drain stretching from Desa Pujut to Sungai Adong.
Work is expected to be completed by the end of December. In total, the three projects account for RM236,240 in funding.
“These projects are crucial to prevent flash floods in frequently affected areas such as Desa Pujut, Jalan Ilmu, and Jalan Adong,” said Dato Sri Lee, who also urged the Miri City Council to step up roadside drain maintenance.
He added that the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) would continue to implement regular upkeep and put in place a systematic schedule to ensure drainage systems remain fully functional.
