KUCHING: Residents affected by the Sungai Maong Kiri flood mitigation project have been urged to remain patient and bear with temporary inconveniences during construction, as the RM100 million initiative is expected to bring long-term benefits to the community.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the project is an important step towards addressing Kuching’s recurring flood problems, although its implementation would take time.
He said construction activities might cause temporary traffic disruptions and inconvenience to residents, but the contractor would be required to provide regular updates on road closures and work schedules to help the public plan their journeys.
“Just bear with us. Any project will cause some inconvenience, but please be patient and give us time.
“I believe this is a worthwhile effort, even if we have to put up with some traffic congestion and other inconveniences along the way,” he said when addressing residents at a town hall session on the Sungai Maong Kiri flood mitigation project at the Association of Churches here, on Thursday (Nov 13).
Wee said the council would also ensure that contact details were made available so residents could raise concerns or report problems directly to the relevant parties.
He encouraged residents to approach the authorities rather than rely on social media or intermediaries, stressing that direct communication would allow their concerns to be addressed more effectively.
“We will be here to serve you. We will not run away. If you face any issues or problems, come directly to us and we will be there to help,” he said.
Wee acknowledged that flooding remains one of Kuching’s longstanding challenges, with climate change adding to the complexity of managing increasing water volumes during heavy rainfall.
He also clarified that the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) is responsible for the drainage infrastructure and technical implementation of the project, while emphasising the importance of cooperation among government agencies in addressing the issue.
Explaining the importance of the town hall, he said the engagement is intended to keep residents informed about the government’s efforts and provide an opportunity for them to raise questions directly with DID and the project consultants.
He stressed that the RM100 million project is not solely about constructing a detention pond, but involved a wider drainage system extending from the airport towards Sungai Maong Kiri.
Wee said the project would be implemented in stages and would not resolve the flooding problem overnight, but expressed confidence that residents would benefit once the works were completed.
He thanked Batu Lintang incumbent See Chee How for helping to disseminate information and engage residents, adding that further briefing sessions would be organised to ensure more communities were informed.
“The briefing is important because we want people to know what is being done. We want transparency and accountability,” he said.
