FLOODING has long been a recurring issue in Sibu, from way back when, particularly during the monsoon season when combined with high tides, resulting in the entire town being submerged.
Various debates have emerged regarding the reasons behind this situation.
Some attribute it to the town’s inadequate drainage system, while others point to the geographical formation of Sibu, located in a low-lying area with peaty ground. Additionally, some argue that the siltation of rivers plays a significant role.
Over the years, several plans have been implemented to address the town’s flood problem.
Initiatives like the Sibu Flood Master Plan and desilting efforts around Pulau Kerto in 2011 have been pursued.
Despite these endeavours, the issue has not been entirely resolved, given that it has persisted for over a century.
However, it is worth noting that these efforts have resulted in some improvement, as Sibu now experiences fewer flash floods compared to previous years.
Thanks to the four floodgates at Khoo Peng Loong Road, Lanang Road near Kingwood Hotel, Chung Hua School and Tekam Road including Bakun dam that have played significant roles in preventing frequent occurrences of flash floods.
However, for Sibu to further prosper and develop, the issue needs to be resolved especially with the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan in the pipeline by the Sarawak government.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg previously announced that the town will be taking a new approach to resolve the issue by emulating Amsterdam, as the town situation is quite similar to Amsterdam.
“Amsterdam is located below sea level, Sibu is below the ‘river’,” Abang Johari said in his remarks at the Borneo Cultural Festival in Sibu, July last year (2022).
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng stated that the Sibu City Cloudburst Masterplan Study would be a part of the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan.
The Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) has appointed international consultant Ramboll to conduct the study, which is expected to find a solution to end the flood problem in the town.
The study, which started in early May this year, consists of three stages: Flood Risk Assessment, Conceptual Masterplan and Design Options, and the Schematic Masterplan and Design for Bukit Assek.
“There are five packages in this study. The first would be the town area to Taman Jubilee Bukit Aup, then the Salim area to Kampung Jeriah area, the west bank (Sg Bidut area), Pulau Kerto area, and the river area (Rajang River and Igan River).
“They will come up with the masterplan (to tackle the flood problem) for the whole of Sibu, then they will focus on Bukit Assek Redevelopment, the masterplan itself,” he said.
The consultant, Ramboll, will review flood hazard maps for both the present and future, looking ahead 100 years from now.
The current focus is on conducting topographical survey works to gather data, which is expected to be completed around September or October.
Subsequently, the flood risk assessment study will commence in the first quarter of 2024, followed by the development of the masterplan.
The ultimate goal is to tackle the flood problem not only in Bukit Assek but also in the entire Sibu area.
The completion of the study and subsequent masterplan will pave the way for the redevelopment of Bukit Assek and provide comprehensive flood mitigation measures.
The success of the plan will be determined by time, as it is a long-term project that is estimated to take around 15 to 20 years to reach completion.
However, if executed effectively, it could potentially resolve Sibu’s ongoing issue with flooding, offering a ray of hope for the future of the town.
