KUCHING: The long-awaited village expansion project in Kampung Buso had officially begun in May, marking a major milestone for residents who have faced years of flooding problem, land constraints, and overcrowding.
The initiative, mooted by Tasik Biru state assemblyman, Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, and financed by the state government, aim to create new residential lots, upgrade access roads, and enhance essential utilities such as drainage, water supply and electricity.
For many villagers, the project promises not only better living conditions but also a long-term solution to issues that have hindered the community’s activities and growth due to rampant flood and limited land available.
In recent years, Kampung Buso has faced repeated infrastructure challenges, particularly during the monsoon season when inadequate drainage systems caused flash floods and road inaccessibility.
As part of the project, a state land around the Kampung Buso area is being cleared now, while proper drainage network will be constructed to reduce waterlogging and channel rainwater more effectively.
The expansion layout will introduce new residential lots or houses designed to accommodate residents often affected by flood and future population growth especially in Kampung Buso.
Henry said the state government had allocated about RM12 million to do land clearing and preparing the ideal site for living that is free from flooding.
“The Kampung Buso expansion scheme was approved by the state government because Buso is a flood prone area.
“Every time we have flood in Bau, Buso is also affected. To resolve this problem I have brought up the matter to our Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and he agreed to my proposal for the Kampung Expansion Scheme to be implemented in the area.
“So we find the land for the new area for housing. That’s how the project started,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Henry said aside from land clearing and flattening, the government may build the houses for the people in Buso to buy.
“If not, interested individuals in Buso may just buy the lots and build their houses. Im not sure how… That one, we leave it to the agency to decide.
“As far as we are concerned, we have resolved the issue of flooding in Buso not only by implementing the village expansion scheme but also by upgrading the Jalan Musi-Buso-Simpang Buso,” he added.
“The contract for this Jalan Musi-Buso-Simpang Buso upgrading had been awarded, and works can start any time from now.”
Henry said the village expansion scheme area, which covers about 11 acres, can accommodate over 100 lots.
He believed that the village expansion scheme and the Jalan Musi-Buso improvements will significantly reduce disruptions to daily activities, especially for school children and workers who rely on the route.
The proposed upgrading of Jalan Musi-Buso-Simpang Buso, Bau is poised to bring major improvements to road safety, traffic flow, and regional accessibility in Bau.
The project is expected to involve extensive improvements and elevation works along the Musi-Buso-Simpang Buso corridor.
The work scope of the proposed road, which would be constructed in accordance with two lane single carriageway of R3 standard, will also include two concrete bridges, widening and strengthening the roadway, upgrading its pavement structure, and improving safety features such as drainage systems, shoulders, road signage and intersections.
The Kampung Buso village expansion scheme is near to the new upgraded Jalan Musi-Buso-Simpang Buso alignment.
Kicked off in May, the project is slated for completion over the next two years.
