Batang Lupar awaits approval for flood mitigation and erosion control projects

PUSA: Numerous flood mitigation and erosion control projects in the Batang Lupar parliamentary constituency are still awaiting approval.

This was confirmed by Batang Lupar assemblyman Mohamad Shafizan Kepli.

He expressed gratitude for the approval of allocations for coastal flood control projects in Kampung Semarang, Kampung Beting Maro, Maludam, and Kampung Seberang, Sebuyau.

“Alhamdulillah, thanks to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, for announcing the approval of several projects.

“However, I hope that more flood mitigation and erosion control projects that are still awaiting approval can be implemented soon,” he told Suara Sarawak, yesterday.

He explained that the approval of such projects is important to safeguard the lives and property of the people in the affected areas.

On July 27, Fadillah stated that RM316 million has been approved to implement the Sarawak State Coastal Flood Relief Project involving 17 locations.

For Batang Lupar, the areas are the beaches in Kampung Semarang, Beting Maro, Maludam and Kampung Seberang Sebuyau.

Other areas included Kampung Siru Melayu, Rambungan Stoh, Rumah Ek – Rumah Betty, Jalan Mukah-Oya (Kampung Judan), Kampung Baru Rajang, Kampung Tekajong and Sebako Sedi.

Also included, Sungai Bangat beach, Lutong beach, Bungai Bekenu, Peliau Bungai, Kampung Kuala Sibuti and Bakam beach.

It is understood that the project package according to location will be determined by the Sarawak Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) before the procurement process begins.

This project is expected to begin implementation in 2025 involving the implementation of protection works along the 40km coastline.

With the implementation of this project, it is estimated that 45,000 coastal residents will be protected as well as 6,000 hectares of agricultural areas and 300 hectares of industrial areas will be protected from the risk of flooding and coastal erosion.