Residents urge continuation of Desa Wira flood mitigation project amid NGO objections

KUCHING (March 13): Community leaders and residents in Desa Wira have voiced disappointment over a non-governmental organisation’s recent move to halt Phase Two of the Taman Desa Wira Flood Embankment Project in Batu Kawa.

Tuai rumah Robert James, representing residents of Taman Desa Ria along Lorong 5I, 5J and 5K off Jalan Desa Wira, said the community frequently suffers losses and property damage during heavy downpours.

“No party should be so selfish as to allow our community to continue to suffer from flash floods. This project is a government initiative for a safer future and a better quality of life.

“We want this project to continue for the safety of all. The construction of a flood mitigation pond in Desa Wira is a critical need that cannot be postponed any longer,” he said in a statement on Friday (March 13).

Robert believes that a sustainable drainage system through this project will not only reduce the risk of disasters but also ensure the well-being of the local community.

“Floods in our village and Desa Wira are not new and trivial. We are tired of suffering losses every year because we have to move to the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) every time there is a flood.

“To those who oppose the flood mitigation pond project, think about our fate as residents here. Don’t just look at it from the perspective of personal interests,” he said.

As reported by local media, Persatuan Kebajikan Penduduk Taman Desa Bumiko Kuching (PKPDB) submitted a memorandum to the Premier on March 5, seeking intervention to suspend the project.

Sinar Budi Baru District village development and security committee (JKKK) secretary Mohamad Iskandar Azahaman said Kampung Sinar Budi Baru has been severely affected by flash floods, most recently earlier this week.

“Therefore, I represent the residents of Sinar Budi Baru District and request the government to expedite the project because we do not want flash floods to recur,” he said.

Also expressing support for the project was village chief Roslan Jamali, representing residents in Batu Kawa, particularly those in Kampung Sinar Budi Baru and Desa Wira.

He lamented that no one replaced the electrical appliances and equipment at the Kampung Sinar Budi Baru Mosque after they were damaged in flash floods.

“We suffer huge losses but who will compensate us if this project is stopped? Flash floods not only damage properties but also put the safety and quality of life of residents at stake,” he pointed out.

Roslan believes that the mitigation pond is a long-term solution to accommodate excessive rainfall and protect local properties.

He also questioned where the NGO had been when residents were dealing with floodwaters.

“Did you help us move or bear our losses? Don’t just act out of personal interests — the welfare of thousands of local residents should not be set aside.

“We appeal to the government to continue this project for the sake of our common well-being. Don’t let us continue to live in fear every time it rains heavily,” he said.

Recent heavy downpours triggered mandatory evacuations affecting 91 families, involving 341 residents in Batu Kawa, primarily from Kampung Sinar Budi Baru and Kampung Desa Ria along Jalan Desa Wira.

Of these, 225 affected residents were from Desa Wira, where the project is being implemented.

The project reportedly features four dry ponds spanning 14 acres, designed to protect approximately 4,000 residents. Once completed, it is expected to significantly reduce recurring flood risks in the area.

The second phase includes the construction of a second dry pond, a one-km protective bund with pedestrian walkway, a pumping station and improved local drainage systems.

Earlier this week, the NGO sought immediate suspension of the project in Desa Wira, citing safety and transparency concerns.

PKPDB chairperson Dr Chang Li Kuin said they decided to submit the memorandum after exhausting other avenues to raise their concerns with the relevant authorities and project implementers.

“We have tried to communicate through emails and letters, but to this day we have yet to receive a full report or detailed explanation regarding the project,” she said after handing over the memorandum to representatives of the Premier’s Office.

The memorandum calls for the immediate suspension of Phase Two of the project and the convening of a roundtable discussion involving all stakeholders, including technical experts, to review the project comprehensively.