BETONG: The allocation for flood mitigation in Betong Town should be used to build drainage and drainage system holistically in order to overcome flood problems.
Layar state assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu said the Sarawak government approved RM10 million to build flood mitigation in Betong Town, Paya Udak, Lempaong, Semumok, Kampung Melayu Hilir and Kampung Baru Hulu.
“This flooding problem at low-lying areas after heavy rains has been lingering for quite some time and that is why we seek the attention of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who has approved RM10 million for mitigation purposes.
“However, I expect proper planning to be done by the implementing agencies, either the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) or the Betong District Council (MDB) whereby a better system is built,” he said.
Rentap said this when met by Sarawak Voice after attending the opening ceremony of Betong Centexs in Bandar Baharu yesterday.
He explained that he wanted to see the issue of flash floods being thoroughly addressed using approved provisions.
He believed it was due to the population growth and drainage system that had been too long.
In another development, elaborating on Abang Johari’s road project as an additional project in his area, he said when it is completed then all areas would be connected with roads.
When asked on the establishment of Sarawak Technical Excellence Centre (Centexs) in Betong, Rentap described the centre as another new landmark in Bandar Baharu Betong.
“I expect Centexs to be the preferred training centre for local kids.
“As a representative of the people, I encourage local youths to take this opportunity as it offers fashion, digital and electrical technology programmes that embrace the digital aspect, learning new ways to meet the increasingly sophisticated world,” he said. – Sarawak Voice
