‘We are tired of flood losses, suffering’: Desa Wira residents want mitgation project to proceed

1 hour ago 6

ADVERTISE HERE

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, March 13: Residents in Desa Wira, Batu Kawa have stressed that no party, including any NGO attempting to halt the flood mitigation project in the area, should act selfishly to the extent of allowing the community to continue suffering recurring flash floods that damage property and disrupt daily life.

Their frustration comes after a recent downpour triggered severe flooding that forced the evacuation of 91 families involving 342 residents in Batu Kawa. The flood victims were mainly from Kampung Sinar Budi Baru and Kampung Desa Ria along Jalan Desa Wira.

Of those affected, 225 were residents of Desa Wira, where the second phase of the Batu Kawa flood mitigation project is currently underway.

The Batu Kawa flood mitigation initiative is designed to protect about 4,000 residents through the development of four dry ponds covering 14 acres as well as other necessary infrastructure. Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce recurring flood risks in the rapidly developing township.

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

In a statement today, residents expressed disappointment after learning that Persatuan Kebajikan Penduduk Taman Desa Bumiko Kuching (PKPDB), through its chairwoman Dr Chang Li Kuin, had submitted a memorandum to the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on March 5, 2026 seeking intervention to suspend the second phase of the flood mitigation works.

In the memorandum, the NGO acknowledged the Sarawak government’s efforts to address flooding issues but called for the project to be temporarily halted until comprehensive technical studies are shared with residents.

Among the requests made were a temporary suspension of the project, a roundtable discussion involving the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), engineers, local authorities, residents’ representatives and independent experts, as well as full disclosure of hydrological studies, impact assessments, technical design justifications and cost-benefit analyses.

Residents affected by flooding, however, emphasised that the recent evacuation highlighted the urgency of completing the mitigation project to protect communities and prevent further displacement.

Tuai Rumah Robert James of Taman Desa Ria said residents in Lorong 5I, 5J and 5K in Desa Wira have endured flash floods for years, resulting in repeated losses.

“Every time there is heavy rain, residents in this area suffer losses, with property damaged and our daily lives disrupted. No one should act selfishly to the extent of allowing our community to continue suffering from flash floods,” he said.

He added that the flood mitigation pond project is a government initiative aimed at ensuring a safer future and improving residents’ quality of life.

“We want this project to continue for the safety of everyone. Objections to this project will only prolong the suffering of residents who frequently fall victim to flash floods.

“Flooding in our village area and Desa Wira is neither new nor trivial. We are tired of suffering losses every year and having to relocate to Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) whenever floods occur. To those opposing the flood mitigation pond project, please consider the fate of residents here. Do not look at this issue solely from the perspective of personal interest,” he urged.

Mohamad Iskandar Azahaman, secretary of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, also urged that the project proceed following the severe flash flood that struck the village on March 10.

He said the incident forced authorities to open a PPS from 10am until March 11 to accommodate affected residents.

“In my opinion, the action previously taken by Dr Chang to block the construction raises the question of whether it was a selfish act without considering the local residents, such as those in Kampung Sinar Budi Baru today.

“On behalf of the residents of Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, I urge the government to expedite the project to prevent recurring flash floods,” he said.

Community representative KK Roslan Jamali also criticised attempts to halt the project, pointing out that residents suffer significant losses whenever flooding occurs.

“Electrical appliances are damaged and even the equipment of Masjid Kampung Sinar Budi Baru is frequently destroyed. Who will compensate our community if this project is stopped?

“Where was your association when we were battling floodwaters? Did you help us move or share in our losses?,” he asked.

Roslan added that chronic flash floods are not only about property damage but also involve the safety and well-being of residents.

Meanwhile, Tuai Rumah Nichol Nyambang, who has lived in Taman Desa Wira since 1988, said rapid development in Batu Kawa in recent years has worsened flooding in the area, particularly around Lorong 5 and Kampung Sinar Budi Baru.

He explained that during heavy rain, the nearby river cannot channel excess water to the Sarawak River quickly enough, causing overflow into low-lying areas and flooding homes.

“As such, the government had instructed the DID to conduct studies on flood prevention, which eventually led to the approval of funding for the flood mitigation pond project, thanks to the concern and efforts of Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian,” he said.

Residents, he said, overwhelmingly support the project as it will help reduce flash floods, protect property and prevent the need for repeated evacuations to relief centres.

Residents also pointed out that a similar flood mitigation project completed at Jalan Field Force Batu Kawa in 2024 has successfully prevented further flooding incidents in that area.

They expressed hope that the Desa Wira flood mitigation project would deliver similar long-term protection for communities frequently affected by flash floods. — DayakDaily

Read Entire Article