Desa Wira residents back Batu Kawa flood mitigation project to curb recurrent flooding

KUCHING (Feb 10): A flood mitigation project in Desa Wira, Batu Kawa has been well-received by local residents in addressing recurrent floods there, said the Desa Wira village security and development committee (JKKK).

They voiced their strong support during a townhall session held by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Kuching on Jan 26, which updated residents on the project’s progress.

“About 150 residents attended, along with representatives from the State Ministry of Public Health, Local Government and Housing, Padawan Municipal Council, Kuching Resident’s Office, Kuching District Office, community leaders, as well as the project consultant and contractor,” it said in a statement.

Tuai Rumah Jeki Entebar of Lorong 22 Desa Wira said the project was important for controlling floods in low-lying areas and should proceed without obstruction.

“I do, 100 per cent, support this project. Those who object have their own vested interests. This project must go on,” he said.

Penghulu Stanley of Desa Wira said the project had to be implemented to reduce frequent monsoon flooding that has caused significant property losses, adding that studies conducted by DID should reassure residents.

“The residents should not worry anymore,” he said.

Kapitan Voon Shu Phin said the flood mitigation reservoir would not only store excess rainwater during heavy rainfall to prevent losses, but could also function as a recreational park during dry periods.

“This will provide residents with a pleasant place for walking and leisure.”

A committee member of Surau Nurul Najihin described the project as a source of hope for Desa Wira residents, noting that flooding had already been reduced even with the project at about 50 per cent completion

“We are grateful to Batu Kawah assemblyman YB Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian for implementing solutions that were never realised previously.

“We hope future plans will include widening and reinforcing the river at Pine Square, supported by geographical studies to divert rainwater flow,” he said.

The flood mitigation project, implemented in two phases, was launched in 2025, and the first phase of the project is now nearing completion.

While several residents raised concerns over potential impacts on their properties during Phase 2, engineers provided detailed explanations and assurances.

According to JKKK Desa Wira, the residents do not want to face hardship and trouble caused by floods again.

Heavy rainfall on Dec 31, 2025 and in early January this year led to the relocation of 277 residents from 73 families in Kampung Desa Wira to Dewan Masyarakat Stapok and Dewan Surau Nurul Najihin in Kampung Stapok, where they stayed for five days.