Residents call for suspension of Tmn Desa Wira flood mitigation project over safety, transparency concerns

KUCHING (Feb 10): A residents’ group in Batu Kawa has called for the immediate suspension of a proposed flood mitigation and detention pond project near Taman Desa Wira, citing a lack of transparency, potential safety risks and the absence of publicly disclosed technical and environmental studies.

The Persatuan Kebajikan Penduduk Desa Wira Batu Kawa said it was not opposing the project outright but wanted all engineering, hydrological and environmental assessments to be fully disclosed and independently reviewed before works proceed.

“We are not anti-government and we are not against development. What we are asking for is transparency first.

“We are here to seek immediate suspension for the project until our concerns are addressed,” association chairperson Dr Chang Li Kuin told a press conference here.

Also present were the association’s committee members Joseph Dagu and Joel Yahya.

Dr Chang said residents were not briefed prior to the commencement of Phase Two of the flood mitigation works, which include the construction of a large detention pond and a five-metre-high river wall adjacent to residential homes.

She noted that a briefing by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) was only held on Jan 27 after works had already begun, and that questions on flooding risks, water discharge capacity and long-term maintenance were left unanswered.

“The briefing was one-way where they told us roughly what they were going to do. We raised some questions but unfortunately, none of our concerns were taken into consideration, yet the project was allowed to continue,” she said.

Dr Chang, who has been staying in the area for the past 17 years, said residents are particularly worried that enclosing the area with river walls could worsen flooding during prolonged heavy rain, as water may be trapped within the residential zone if pumping systems fail or downstream drainage remains blocked.

She cited damage observed during Phase One of the project, including destruction of houses at Kampung Sinar Budi as well as structural damage and land instability,

“I have a forensic report from Thistlegorm Forensic which had documented structural damage to nearby properties.

“This is not speculative. It has already happened where there are walls which have cracked and it’s all in the report,” she said.

She also questioned why simpler measures, such as clearing clogged drains, widening shallow rivers and maintaining downstream waterways, were not prioritised before undertaking large-scale construction.

“If downstream flow is obstructed, no matter how many ponds you build, flooding will still occur,” she said.

Dr Chang said she has been personally knocking from door to door at each house in the neighbourhood for the past few months to sign the petition calling for the suspension of the project.

“I have managed to get 47 to sign the petition thus far. There were some residents who were unaware that a detention pond was about to be constructed near their house.

“I believe that the overall sentiment is that nobody wants a big pond next to their house,” she said.

She also appealed to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to intervene in the matter, reiterating that residents were not calling for the project to be scrapped but for it to be halted temporarily until all concerns were properly addressed.

“We are only seeking immediate suspension until our concerns are addressed. We appeal to Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari to listen to us and to suspend this project before further damage is done, before all the studies are made available, and before all parties can reach a point where they are satisfied and reassured.

“This is our right as residents. Every one of us has civic rights,” she said.

She added that the matter was not merely about a single project but involved broader issues of public safety, accountability and governance.

“This is about homes, safety, accountability and the rule of law. If our voices are not heard, we are fully prepared to seek protection through the Courts,” said Dr Chang.