Lo wants to solve flash flood problem in constituency

State Assemblyman for Batu Kitang, Lo Khere Chiang hopes to see an end to the flash flood problem in his constituency by starting a pilot project in Arang Road, Jalan Dogan, Desa Wira, RPR and resettlement areas.

The floods, he said, had a catastrophic effect on the victims economically and emotionally.

Lo, who was debating the Head of State’s speech in the State Legislative Assembly in Petra Jaya yesterday said as an engineer, he could identify the major cause of the flash floods as he had the professional background and knowledge to fix the problem.

He added that he needed RM30 million to kick start the project.

“It is not just about dredging drains and clearing sumps and clearing blocked drains. It is about guidelines and policies. It is about forwarding plan to provide drainage reserves which we do not have now, to account for future catchment change and the capacities of these drains need to accommodate these changes plus the proper and long term maintenance of these drains. It is about the understanding of floods and the political will to solve it.

“I believe Sarawak can be successful in charting practical solutions to overcome flooding issues. The persistent flooding has long and negatively impacted upon our people. There is the issue of real and imminent danger flash floods bring to the life of everyone every time it rains,” he pointed out,   stating that it would be a help by linking the drains to the RM1.85 billion mega project and if it was fully completed, flood would be a thing of the past.

As there is going to be a committee to look into flood mitigation, Lo volunteered to be part of the committee as he is serious and ready to assist Sarawak in formulating policies and guidelines to address this issue of drainage in the early stage.    

“I am keen to contribute and help coordinate the working of all relevant departments in order to achieve this,” said Lo.

The committee, he suggested, should include all relevant agencies in the like of the state planning authority, the Land and Survey Department, the Drainage and Irrigation department, Public Works Department, Natural Resources and Environment Board as well as the State Financial Secretary’s Office as money was an important factor in determining the success and outcome of any project. 

Sarawak Tribune

Date Posted : Saturday 11-Jun-2016