KUCHING: Inadequate drainage has been identified as the main cause of road damage in Sarawak, leading to sunken or uneven road surfaces, potholes, and erosion.
Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) director Dr Cassidy Morris said that effective drainage systems are essential to preserve the integrity and stability of road structures.
He assured the PWD would be prioritising improvements in road drainage management, including upgrading roadside drains and culverts.
“The key issue now is ensuring proper stormwater control on roads. We must keep our roads free from drainage-related problems.
He said this during his keynote address at the Seminar on Flood Control Improvement in the ‘Stormwater Drainage System in Sarawak: Current Status, Challenges and Capabilities’ held at a leading hotel here yesterday (Jul 8).
The seminar was jointly organised by the Technological Association Malaysia (TAM) and BIMAGE Consulting (M) Sdn Bhd.
Cassidy asserted that the department places strong emphasis in compliance with technical standards and drainage design criteria.
He said these are based on both national and international guidelines adopted by Malaysia PWD, the Road Engineering Association of Malaysia (REAM), and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).
