MUKAH – The residents of Jalan Muhibah and Kampung Kuala Lama can now breathe a sigh of relief following the completion of the drainage improvement works at both areas under the Rural Transformation Programme 2025 (RTP).
Tellian State Assemblyman Royston Valentine said the project was completed this week and handed over by the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) to Kuala Lama Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK). He said the project was aimed at minimising flood risks, especially to housing areas near Jalan Muhibah.
Royston stated that the projects requirements were updated to accommodate the budget within Tellian DUN RTP. The original plan, he said, would have incurred costs of by up to RM400,000 – mostly for the relocation of utilities. It is referred to as an expense instead of expenditure because expenditures would need to be capitalized.
“The planet-structure specifications for this project are still far more beneficial than existing condition mandates of larger and wider ‘main drain,'” he added.
These works have included the building of two outlets to help move overflow rainwater more efficiently, reducing the risk of water pooling in residential areas. “This is especially important for Jalan Muhibah as it had been problematic during any rainy day, By Royston,aware that when heavy rain occurs such street faced with potential threat of flooding.
Moving forward, he said the underpass below Jalan Utama Haji Mohd Pauzi that links to Kuala Lama River must be widened. The drainage system there will also be upgraded, benefiting the residents in Kampung Kuala Lama, Kuala Lama Resettlement Scheme (SPS) and its adjoining areas.
They added multiple sections of the drainage system are narrow and outdated, which must be revisited and updated to accommodate for the increasing number of housing areas and commercial developments throughout the mod area.
“This will be raised in the PISA under RMK13 Rolling Plan 1 budget this year being a long-term solution to the problem of flash floods throughout the area around Mukah Market and the rural areas,” Royston added.
Royston later went on a site visit with DID officers and delegates from the Mukah District Office after the handover. During the visit to Jalan Muhibah, Jalan Utama and Kuala Lama, officials inspected the new drainage work.
The results from this project will feed into the PISMA process to ensure future drainage development is a more integrated, sustainable approach. The development is just one aspect of Sarawak’s wider commitment to enhancing infrastructure resilience and protecting communities from environmental hazards.
