BINTULU: Physical works on three flood mitigation projects here are expected to begin between mid and late October following a RM53-million allocation from the Sarawak Government.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the projects would cover three flood-prone areas at Gem Park, Desa Damai and SJK Sebiew.
He said the Bintulu Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and its consultants were preparing to implement the projects under the second phase.
“The DID informed us that the tender could be called in early September, with physical works expected to begin between mid and late October,” he said in a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS).
Dr Sim said this after attending a meeting with the Bintulu Flood Management Committee at the Bintulu DID office on Thursday (Aug. 27).
Dr Sim, who is also Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, said the allocation covered the three remaining major components of the flood mitigation project.
He said the funding was approved following an appeal by Tanjong Batu assemblyman, Johnny Pang Leong Ming, to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg over recurring floods in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, Pang welcomed the approval, saying it reflected the state government’s commitment to addressing flooding and protecting residents in Bintulu.
He said residents were looking forward to the projects, particularly after several areas were affected by floods last year.
