MIRI: Disruptions to the drainage system caused by illegal waste dumping and the construction of unauthorised crossings have been identified as the main factors behind recurrent flooding along the Miri Bypass.
The issue was identified following a site inspection of the affected areas, which have impacted nearby villagers as well as road users particularly in Kampung Pujut Padang Kerbau and several residential areas along the route.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said that on-site inspections found that the main roadside stormwater drainage was experiencing serious flow disruptions due to accumulated rubbish, uncontrolled growth of wild plants, and the construction of illegal crossings using inadequately sized culverts.
According to him, these conditions have reduced drainage capacity, rendering it unable to accommodate rainwater runoff and resulting in repeated flooding incidents, especially during heavy rainfall.
“All water from the surrounding residential and village areas flows into this main drain. When the flow is obstructed by blockages and unauthorised crossings, flooding becomes inevitable,” he said when met during the site visit at the Miri Bypass recently.
Lee, who is also Senadin assemblyman said he was also notified that there are several other unauthorised crossings along the main drainage alignment that were built without approval, in addition to earth drains that have come to resemble natural waterways and are excessively overgrown with vegetation, further impeding water flow.
In this regard, Lee told the Public Works Department (JKR) to examine the entire stretch of the main stormwater drainage in the affected area, including sections along the Pan Borneo Highway, and to take appropriate action against any illegal crossings obstructing water flow.
Commenting on long-term measures, he said any proposals to upgrade the drainage system including design improvements or reconstruction would need to be studied in detail by JKR, as the Pan Borneo Highway falls under Federal Government funding and would require further discussions with the Federal authorities.
