SIBU: Even with pumping stations in place, Bukit Assek would still be prone to flash floods if the drainage system in the whole area is not reconstructed, says Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang.
Chang said in a press statement that the reconstruction of the drainage system was necessary as some parts of the drains are over 30 years old.
“Most of the drains have collapsed and fallen apart with some causing rain water to collect and flow back into houses of residents in the area,” she said.
She also pointed out that the frequent flash floods in Bukit Assek are not due to water in the Rajang River or Igan River overflowing its banks.
“It is localised flooding due to roads in the area. Bukit Assek is sited in a deep peat area and has already sunk and lower than areas along the Rajang River due to ground settlement. It is also due to clogged and collapsed drains with no proper outlets for rain water to flow out,” she said.
She added that the local council needs to work out a schedule to regularly carry out desiltation and clearing clogged drains in the Bukit Assek area instead of doing them only when people complain.
While the local council is working on drains in the Bukit Assek area, Lau also urged the local council to raise the level of the compound area at Tiong Hua Market which is also prone to flash floods.
The level of Jalan Belian, Jalan Rhu, Jalan Kapor, Jalan Laichee and Jalan Langsat which are in the Bukit Assek area also need to be raised. The drains also need to be reconstructed and covered up.
She hoped that the Local Government and Housing Ministry would seriously look into the suggestions as long term measures to solve flash flood problems in the area.
“It is a good thing that the local council is now finally reconstructing drains from Jalan Pedada to a roundabout at Jalan Laichee. It is also a good thing that the drains are covered up as this would prevent them from being used as dumping grounds,” she said.
Lau also mentioned that despite the flash flood problems Bukit Assek was excluded from the Flood Mitigation Plan for Sibu where pump stations were built at strategic places.
The 11 pumping stations in the masterplan cover Upper Lanang Road and Batang Rajang, Town Square Phase II, Kampung Datu, Kampung Nangka, Sungai Antu, Sungai Gambir and Jalan Ling Kai Cheng.
However, even though the pumping stations can never totally eradicate flooding in Bukit Assek, the area would still partially benefit from the flood mitigation project as the pumping stations and tidal gates would eliminate the impact of high water level from Rajang River and to a certain extent reduce flash floods in the area.
