KUCHING: The federal government has approved RM191 million for the implementation of the Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB) for Sungai Sarawak with the aim of addressing flood issues in several areas in the city.
Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that the project is being carried out in three packages to expedite its implementation.
“Today is the groundbreaking ceremony for Package 3, which involves flood mitigation works in Sungai Gersik, flood mitigation in Sungai Sinjan and deepening and widening of Sungai Tengah and Sungai Minjap, Matang,here.
“This package is costly, about RM42 million, and is expected to address frequent flooding in the areas. There are also other areas that experience flash floods and seasonal flooding. However, the focus today is on the critical areas we are addressing,” he said.
Fadillah who is Deputy Prime Minister, said this during a press conference after the groundbreaking ceremony at Dewan SK Tan Sri Datuk Haji Mohamed, Matang here today.
He said that the project will be implemented over 24 months starting on May 21, 2024, and is expected to be fully completed by May 20, 2026.
“I want to remind contractors who received their acceptance letters today. We have a programme where anyone awarded a project from the Ministry must sign a pledge to ensure the project is completed on time, according to specified standards and within the approved budget,” said Fadillah.
He said the ministry will continue to seek funds to implement flood mitigation programmes in other areas, including for coastal erosion throughout Sarawak.
“The federal government through our ministry has approved 46 water-related projects in Sarawak, comprising 33 continuation projects and 13 new projects. The total allocation approved for the implementation period under the Fourth Rolling Plan in 2024 is RM298 million,” he added.
Meanwhile, on the other two packages, namely the PLSB Sungai Sarawak Package 1, involving the Sub-basin of Sungai Kuap is being implemented to address flood issues around the Muara Tuang Park area, Taman Univista & Unisquare, and Tabuan Dayak, while PLSB Sungai Sarawak Package 2, involving the General Hospital area, Lintang Park, and Government Quarters, Kuching, also began in May 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2026.
