BY GOH PEI PEI & JACINTHA JOLENE
KUCHING: The Sarawak government wants to upgrade the drainage systems in the city to resolve flooding issues by 2030.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari said the government was seeking comprehensive solutions to the problem, including improving the current drainage systems.
He said well-designed drainage systems are crucial to mitigate flooding, however, it requires a huge amount of funds.
“Therefore, the Sarawak government will work with the federal government for funds to address the Kuching’s flood problems.
“Hopefully, we will have the necessary infrastructure to manage and resolve it by 2030,” he said.
He assured that as long as the state revenue continues to increase it will be channelled back to the people through various development projects, including upgrading the drainage systems.
Speaking at Kuching City 35th anniversary celebration at the Kuching Waterfront here today, Abang Johari recalled that Kuching was elevated and declared as a city in 1988.
It was then divided and administered by two city councils, namely the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and the Council of the City of Kuching South (MBKS).
Since then, the city has witnessed significant progress, particularly in Petra Jaya (Kuching North), while substantial funds were allocated to transform Kuching South as a modern city.
Kuching, he said, had also received numerous awards and recognitions over the years at the national and international levels, for its cleanliness, sustainability, unity, and gastronomy.
“Thus, I would like to express my appreciation and thank all the staff of MBKS and DBKU as well as all the residents in the city.
“Everyone has played and contributed their part in keeping Kuching a clean, sustainable and liveable city,” he added.
He also said various programmes to bring the multiracial and multireligious society together had been held and would continue in the future, to ensure and enhance unity among the residents in Kuching.
Kuching was declared as the first ‘City of Unity’ in the world in 2015 and is well-known for the existing unity and harmony among the people. The Premier said efforts must therefore be made to preserve this unique trait of the city.
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Premier’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng and DBKU Mayor Datuk Junaidi Reduan were among those who attended the event.
