KUCHING: Residents and community leaders in Taman Desa Wira have voiced firm support for the ongoing flood mitigation project, calling on authorities to continue and expedite works, stressing that the initiative is vital to reducing long-standing flooding issues and protecting lives.
Met by reporters after the project’s press conference, Penghulu Iban Batu Kawa, Stanley Repon dismissed claims that flooding had worsened, saying the project is not yet fully completed.
“If we look at it, the first retention pond is not even 100 per cent completed yet. So if anyone says flooding is getting worse, that is because the project is not finished,” he said.
He added that although no project could guarantee a complete solution, residents expected significant improvements once construction is completed.
“Once it is completed, I cannot guarantee 100 per cent, but at least it will reduce flooding in Desa Wira. That is what we want.
“That is why we want this project to continue,” he said, adding that Batu Kawah remains among the worst flood-affected areas in Sarawak.
He warned that halting the project would worsen the situation and cause greater suffering for residents.
“If this project is stopped, things will get worse and the people will suffer.
“That is why we held this press conference – to let everyone know this project must continue. Do not delay it any longer. Do not stop it,” he said, while also thanking the Sarawak State Government, the Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) Sarawak, and related agencies for their efforts.
Tuai Rumah Taman Desa Ria Batu Kawa, Robert James, said residents in the area unanimously backed the initiative.
“We from Taman Desa Wira fully support this project. We want it to continue. Continue the project. Do not stop it. Taman Desa Wira supports it,” he said.
Resident, Muhamad Azman Abdullah, said improvements were already noticeable despite floods not being fully eliminated.
“Flooding cannot be completely stopped, but it has reduced. Before this, houses would be flooded, but now the water recedes faster because drainage has been built,” he said.
He highlighted the challenges residents face whenever floods occur.
“When floods happen, it is the residents who suffer. The government does give financial aid – thank you to the government – but it is still difficult for us to clean our homes. We have families and children.
“We have to use clean water to wash our houses and pay the water bills too,” he added, urging authorities to continue the project for the benefit of all residents.
Second-generation resident, Sylvester William Awat, said he hoped the long-standing flooding problem could be resolved for future generations.
“As a second-generation resident, I hope the flood problem can be solved and will not continue to future generations,” he said.
“I am not only supporting the continuation of the project but also placing high hopes that it will be expedited because it involves the safety and lives of residents,” he added.
While acknowledging scepticism from some parties, he described the project as a necessary effort.
“Although some are sceptical about the effectiveness of this project, as a resident facing floods, I see this initiative as one of the efforts to overcome the problem.
Even if it cannot solve everything, we can find other solutions later, but for now I truly hope this project succeeds,” he said.
