THE persistent water supply issue in Taman Samarindah urgently requires attention to safeguard residents’ quality of life.
Stakan assemblyman, Datuk Hamzah Brahim, said that the Samarindah High-level Water Tank project is currently at the contractor appointment stage and called on the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication to expedite the process.
He also proposed the construction of a temporary water tank in Taman Samarindah Baru to stabilise supply while awaiting completion of the main project.
He further stressed the need for a second access road into Taman Samarindah, which now accommodates more than 5,000 houses but relies on only one entry and exit route.
“The situation has caused severe traffic congestion during peak hours and poses a major safety risk in the event of emergencies,” he said.
He said this in his debate speech on the motion of appreciation to the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s address at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today.
He also sought clarification on the government’s long-term plans to develop more alternative roads linking Samarahan and Kuching to ease traffic flow and reduce dependency on existing routes.
On flood-related issues, he called for comprehensive long-term mitigation plans for flash floods frequently affecting Batu 12 and Batu 13 along Jalan Kuching-Serian.
“Recurring floods have caused significant losses to residents and small traders, adding that modern drainage infrastructure is needed to protect the local economy,” he added.
He also urged the relevant ministry to install street lighting along the Southern Access Road to Kuching International Airport (KIA), saying the number of accidents increased due to poor visibility at night.
Hamzah highlighted the shortage of manpower at Majlis Perbandaran Kota Samarahan (MPKS), saying the council currently operates with only 95 staff despite overseeing a rapidly growing municipality.
“Additional staff quota approvals to improve the efficiency of public services,” he said.
He also raised concerns over overcrowding at the existing Samarindah health clinic, saying it has exceeded its capacity and can no longer cope with the increasing number of patients.
He requested clarification on plans to build a new health clinic in the area.
On housing matters, Hamzah sought updates on the proposed Kampung Baru Settlement Scheme and Resettlement Scheme under the Stakan constituency, saying residents require clearer timelines and transparent information regarding implementation.
Separately, he touched on the recurring issue of high flight ticket prices during festive seasons, particularly affecting Sarawakians studying or working outside the state.
He proposed several initiatives, including earlier implementation of fare ceiling mechanisms, increasing the number of flights and aircraft during peak periods, and improving targeted subsidies for students and low-income Sarawakians working away from home.
