KUCHING: The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has officially handed over the letter of award to the successful contractor for the Phase 2 Desa Wira flood mitigation project, marking a major step in efforts to protect Batu Kawa residents from frequent flooding.
The project, awarded to Pembinaan Kuantiti Sdn Bhd, is valued at RM36.66 million. Scheduled to run from January 5, 2026 to July 5, 2027, the 18-month initiative will see the completion of the last of four detention ponds designed to address flooding in the area.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted the importance of the project, saying, “Once Phases 1 and 2 are completed, the flood mitigation works will protect some 58 hectares of Taman Desa Wira, including Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, benefitting approximately 4,000 residents.
“Our priority has always been to secure funding whether federal or state to solve real problems for the people of N14 Batu Kawa,” he said in his Facebook posting.
The Phase 2 project features an 11,300 square-metre (m²) detention pond capable of holding 30,000 cubic metres (m³) of water and three high-capacity pumps similar to those used in Sibu Town.
A three-kilometre riverbank embankment will also be constructed, complete with a three-metre-wide pedestrian walkway, providing both flood protection and a new recreational landmark for the community.
With Phase 1 already completed at a cost of RM14.5 million, he said the combined RM51-million investment in Phases 1 and 2 will significantly reduce flood risk in Batu Kawa.
Dr Sim said the Desa Wira project is part of a broader strategy to safeguard communities along Batu Kawa, complementing two other detention ponds at MJC and Pine Square.
