KUCHING: The Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) has submitted a proposal to upgrade the entire drainage system in the Kuching Old City area to ensure better flood mitigation in the coming years.
Mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman said the project is expected to be implemented if funding is approved under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
“The proposed upgrade would cover Kuching Old Town, including Carpenter Street, Waterfront and surrounding areas, with the aim of improving flood mitigation and ensuring a more efficient and orderly drainage system.
“This is part of DBKU’s long-term planning to address flash flood risks, particularly during the monsoon season when rainfall tends to intensify towards the end of the year.
“We hope that any allocation approved under 13MP would enable DBKU to fully implement its planned drainage improvement projects across Kuching in the coming years,” he said when met by reporters.
Hilmy was conducting a follow-up inspection of drainage facility near the Brooke Dockyard on Tuesday (Dec 16) as part of ongoing preparations to prevent flash floods.
He pointed out that the drainage channels in the area are usually maintained once every three months but the frequency has been increased due to heavier and more consistent rainfall in recent weeks.
“Our inspection shows the situation is under control, with no rubbish clogging the drainage channels.
“This reflects the effectiveness of maintenance works carried out throughout the year.”
However, Hilmy stressed that DBKU would not take the situation lightly, adding that continuous monitoring would be carried out to prevent flash floods in Padang Merdeka and other areas.
Even if heavy rain occurs, clean and well-maintained drainage would allow water to flow out quickly, reducing the risk of water accumulation.
He added that DBKU was satisfied with the condition of the main drainage systems identified as critical, noting that they were in good working order.
Hilmy said similar follow-up inspections would be conducted at other locations, including Sungai Bedaun and Sungai Batu towards Santubong area, which are low-lying areas.
Monitoring would also include Sungai Maong, Green Road, Sarawak General Hospital surroundings and other flood-prone locations such as Gita Laut.
“These are our second and third follow-up inspections, aimed at ensuring all identified hotspot areas are properly maintained.”
