Desa Wira residents back RM60 mln flood project after concerns addressed

By Amanda L

Attendees, including Law Wee (second right), gather for a photo following the residents’ briefing on the Desa Wira flood mitigation project in Batu Kawa, Kuching on Feb 14, 2026. Phase Two will add a retention pond and landscaping to enhance both safety and community amenities.

KUCHING, Feb 14: Residents in Desa Wira, Batu Kawa, have expressed unanimous support for the continuation of a RM60 million flood mitigation project after being briefed on engineering, environmental and safety measures, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak said.

Deputy Director Law Wee said Phase Two of the project, which includes the construction of a retention or dry pond, is designed to reduce recurring floods affecting more than 20,000 residents in the Batu Kawa area, with about 3,800 homes experiencing the most severe impact.

“We heard concerns from residents of several houses initially, particularly about the pond accumulating rubbish and potential structural risks.

“After explaining that proper assessments and protective reinforcement works have been carried out, residents now fully support the project to proceed without fail,” he said after a residents’ briefing here today.

Visual rendering showing the retention pond area in Desa Wira functioning as a recreational space when not in use.

Law said modern waste management mechanisms will be installed at the pond, including automated screening systems and mechanical arms to remove debris, with regular collection by trucks.

He noted that similar systems have been successfully implemented in Bau, Sibu and Bintulu.

Visual presentations during the briefing also showed plans to landscape the surrounding area with trees, jogging tracks and recreational features, turning the site into a green public space that enhances the neighbourhood and adds long term value.

Visual rendering showing the retention pond in Desa Wira holding stormwater as part of the RM60 million flood mitigation project.

“The project is not only about flood mitigation. It also brings environmental and community benefits, such as cooling from water bodies and improved recreational spaces.

“Residents now understand the full benefits of the project and have agreed that it must continue without delay,” he added.

The unanimous support follows objections raised on Feb 10, when a group led by Persatuan Kebajikan Penduduk Desa Wira Batu Kawa called for the immediate suspension of the project pending clarification on engineering, environmental and safety studies. The group had warned that legal action could be considered if works proceeded without resolution.

At the time, its chairperson Dr Chang Li Kuin said residents were not opposed to flood mitigation efforts but wanted greater transparency and consultation on Phase Two works implemented by DID.

Law explained that Phase One covered part of Desa Wira, while Phase Two addresses the remaining areas. The full impact on flood reduction will only be evident once both phases are completed, which is expected by July 2027.

While the project cannot guarantee the total elimination of flooding, it aims to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of incidents in the area. — DayakDaily