Lee: Garbage disposal, poor drainage worsen flood woes in Pujut

MIRI (Dec 16): Illegal dumping and unauthorised crossings constructed along a major storm drain have been identified as the primary causes of recurring flooding in Kampung Pujut Padang Kerbau and residential areas along the bypass road here.

Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said several sections of the earth storm drain were blocked and overgrown with vegetation, disrupting the smooth flow of water.

“People have been dumping rubbish into the storm drain, causing it to become clogged and eventually blocked.

“In addition, the culvert is too small, preventing water from being discharged efficiently,” he told reporters during a site visit to the area on Monday.

Lee, who is also Senadin assemblyman, said the storm drain serves as the main outlet for runoff from nearby housing areas and the village.

He noted that even partial blockages along the main drain could result in flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

“This issue needs to be addressed urgently.

“I will request the Public Works Department (JKR) to inspect the entire stretch of the major storm drain under its maintenance and to remove any illegal crossings.

“There is also insufficient outlet capacity for the water to flow,” he said.

Lee stressed that JKR must carry out scheduled maintenance works on the storm drain to prevent a recurrence of flooding in the area.

When asked whether a long-term solution is needed to resolve the flood problem, he said the matter falls under the purview of the federal government as the storm drain is located along the Pan Borneo Highway.

“JKR will have to take this with the federal government. The drainage system here needs to be properly improved,” he added.

Also present during the site visit was JKR Miri assistant divisional engineer Chai Chung Enn.