HOUSING Development Corporation (HDC) and Kanowit District Council will construct a retention pond within RPR Kanowit to mitigate the flood problem at Taman Muhibbah.
Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil stated, “The council will continuously clear and maintain the existing drainage at the area.
“The council will also bid for funding under 12th Malaysia Plan to further improve the drainage system for the area.”
He said this in reply to a question from Allan Siden Gramong (GPS-Machan).
Penguang further stated that areas along the riverbank of Sungai Mam in Batu Luking are low-lying and subject to riverine floods, especially during heavy downpours.
“From observation, such flooding does not affect Jalan Batu Luking as to require the Public Works Department (JKR) to raise the road level.
“However, since Jalan Batu Luking is a state road, JKR will continue to carry out routine maintenance on the culverts and side drains in the area,” he said.
To two questions raised by Allan on the estimated cost of the pond and the long term solution to the flood problem in Taman Muhibbah, Penguang said it would cost about RM1.17 million to build a sizable retention pond and all the necessary accessories.
He continued: “The Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) put up a proposal for drainage improvement works at Taman Muhibbah to both federal and state governments under the 11th Malaysia Plan but it was not approved.
“DID, however, will continue to seek for funding under the 12th Malaysia Plan.”
