Lo Khere Chiang. Lo said the possibility of flash flood could be due to the development in general.
He pointed out empty lands were filled with concrete buildings and there was no way the water could flow out in time after a heavy downfall.
This, he said, caused flash floods to the surrounding areas even though the areas were never flooded in the past.
Thus, he said, this called for the agencies concerned to relook into the development process and how to tackle issues that could lead to flash foods. He said the size of the drainage system is important and it is best when the drains led straight to the river but unfortunately, it did not happen that way.
Due to the design of the drains, they at times could be blocked thus causing flash floods. Damages due to floods in Padawan area will take a lot of money and time to recover, Lo warned.
Citing about RM20 million to RM30 million to repair damaged roads, drainage systems, embankments and others due to floods, Lo pointed out this will be a huge challenge for the council to face.
“We will try to repair everything but we urge for patience from the people. And due to the extensive damages, we also cannot do it along but have to team up with other government agencies,” he said.
He pointed out the Marris Fund could help out. On Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Adenan Satem’s decision to lower the assessment rate, Lo said PMC collected a sum of RM32 million annually.
“Adenan is a considerate chief minister whose first thought is on the people’s well being. We are fortunate to have him as CM.
With the lowering of the assessment rate, we will need the Rate Deficiency Grant from the Federal to help us run the council,” he said.
Wednesday 02-Mar-2016
New Sarawak Tribune.
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