SIBU: Residents of Lorong Sentosa 4 will enjoy safer routes and a more efficient drainage system when 32 damaged culverts are rebuilt through a project under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) 2023 worth RM300,000.
Bukit Assek Assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, said the project was very important as most of the existing cross-road structures have collapsed or suffered serious damage, thus contributing to the recurring flash flood problem in the area.
“The damaged crosswalk structure has blocked the flow of water during heavy rains.
“As a result, residents have to deal with flash floods that can reach up to three feet,” he told the media after inspecting the project site today.
Chieng explained that the project was not just about rebuilding culverts, but also involves installing new sewers, road improvements and paving minor roads in the Sentosa area.
According to him, the delay in the implementation of the previous project was due to the need to complete the Sentosa main drainage system first, which is expected to be fully completed next month.
“With the main drainage system almost complete, we can now connect the drainage from minor roads to the system.
“This will ensure the smooth flow of water from the residential area to the outside, thereby reducing the risk of flooding,” he said.
The project will be implemented by Aziz Trading and Services as the implementing contractor, while the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) acts as the coordinating agency.
Chieng also informed that the construction work will involve piling work to strengthen the cross-pass structure to ensure its durability in the long term.
The project is scheduled to start on July 26 and will take about six months to complete.
However, the contractor is urged to expedite the implementation of the project so that residents can enjoy the benefits sooner.
He also stressed the importance of safety throughout the construction period and ordered that safety signs and warning lights be installed, in addition to ensuring that residents are informed of any risks or disturbances.
Meanwhile, the Head of Kampung Usahajaya Baru Jalan Sentosa, Mohd Ali Serani, expressed his appreciation for the government’s efforts in bringing about the changes that the residents have long been waiting for.
“Residents here have long suffered from flooding, damaged roads and dangerous access to their homes. We are grateful that the government is finally concerned and taking action. We hope that this project can be completed quickly and safely,” he added.
The official handover ceremony of the project was also witnessed by Chieng, involving the handover of project documents from SMC represented by its assistant engineer, Gelo Baring, to the representative of the contractor Aziz Trading and Services, Nur Liyana Mohammad.
