KUCHING: Taking the flood experience in Malaya as an experience, Sarawak is leaving nothing to chance.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said he will soon discuss with the Public Works Department (JKR) its flood response programme.
“Sarawak is facing the monsoon season now. There will be the issues of erosion, broken bridges, damaged roads and others,” he said after attending a briefing on the department’s roles, responsibilities and programmes at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) office here on Tuesday (Jan 10).
State JKR director Datuk Zuraimi Sabki and several senior officers conducted the briefing.
Expressing concern over the department’s state of preparedness to tackle floods, Uggah said it should respond fast, especially in determining the costs of repairs (to damaged bridges and roads) and forward the proposals to the government for approval.
“It is a matter of determining the mechanism and funding. We have seen the flood situation in Baram last year where not much was done.
“The bridge crossing the Sungai Tutoh which was swept away has yet to be replaced, probably due to funding issue. We too had seen the recent flood situation in some states in the peninsula.
“But I believe Sarawak is better prepared in comparison,” he said.
On another matter, Uggah said he planned to discuss the rehabilitation of ‘sick projects’ with JKR in his next meeting.
“I suggest in our next meeting soon, we should discuss about ‘sick’ infrastructure projects. The sooner we can rehabilitate them, the better it is for the state and those concerned,” he added.
Uggah also highlighted the importance of speeding up the delivery of government projects through JKR.
“In the recent state election, the people voted overwhelmingly for the GPS government.
“The timely delivery of infrastructure projects, particularly in rural areas, was featured prominently in our election manifesto.
“The people’s expectations are high, we have a huge responsibility and we are facing challenges (to deliver).
“This is more so where the terrains (in rural areas) are tough and rugged. Nevertheless, I am confident we can deliver with the support, commitment and cooperation of all.
“We have the experts in the department and related agencies,” he said.
Uggah said delivery was important as the government had to show some accomplishments within its first 100 days of governing.
Also present at the briefing were Assistant Minister Aidel Lariwoo and MIPD Permanent Secretary Datuk Safri Zainudin.
