MIRI: The Sarawak government has identified Padang Kerbau and Jalan Cahaya as critical areas to be prioritised under the RM50 million flood mitigation project in Miri.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said both areas are frequently hit by flash floods due to poor drainage and water runoff from nearby hilly terrain.
“I have instructed the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) to start with the most affected areas like Padang Kerbau and Jalan Cahaya.
“Don’t wait for the full plan, which may take two years to implement. Let’s solve the critical parts first,” he said during a working visit to the sites today.
The visit covered two ongoing components: the proposed cleaning and deepening works at Sungai Tanah in Jalan Cahaya, currently in the tender stage, and ongoing drain-deepening works at Pujut Padang Kerbau.
Lee said that one of the main issues is the absence of a culvert beneath the road, causing water to stagnate and preventing smooth flow.
“A culvert will be built across the road to improve water flow, and the drainage system will be fully upgraded,” he added.
He also noted a setback involving a private landowner who has refused to grant temporary access for works on a key drainage route.
“We will continue negotiating, but if there’s no other option, the government may have to acquire the land in the public interest,” he said.
Lee said that the flood mitigation project forms part of the broader Sungai Dalam Drainage System Upgrade Plan, which also includes Taman Tunku, Jalan Cahaya, Padang Kerbau, and Lopeng Baru.
He thanked DID for its continued cooperation in implementing comprehensive flood mitigation efforts for the constituency.
