KUCHING: Local councils are urged to improve their service and basic infrastructures related to flood and rubbish collection in urban areas.
Special Assistant to DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong said that it is unacceptable that problems like flooding and rubbish collection in urban areas exist especially in this day and age.
“On Sunday (Feb 5) I visited a resident of Taman Batu 9 and a half who has been staying there for over 20 years.
“Based on my interview with Goh, her house will flood whenever there is continuous rain for one hour.
“The main cause is because the rainwater cannot be discharged properly due to the damaged drains at all the back lanes.
“I have sighted and can confirm that the drains in the back lanes are all damaged or non-existent,” he said.
Kong said during his visit, he noted that the back alleys were filthy and filled with overgrown plants.
“During the initial years after moving in, Goh had witnessed contractors of the local council coming to their residential area and cleaning up all the drains and back lanes.
“However, for the past 10 years or so, the contractors are seldom seen and the back lanes have fallen into a state of disrepair,” he added.
Kong also pointed out another issue that the residents faced was the inefficient rubbish collection system that is employed by Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS).
“There are no fixed rubbish collection days and more often than not, Goh has to dispose of her rubbish elsewhere because stray dogs will be digging her rubbish if it is left unattended for days.
“The mental stress and anguish that the residents go through on a regular basis must come to a stop,” he stressed.
Kong has lodged complaints accordingly and will also be writing in to MPKS officially to highlight the seriousness of the issue.
Therefore, he strongly urged council chairman Datuk Peter Minos to buck up the service of MPKS and take immediate action to help the residents there.
