A RM2-billion flood mitigation project involving the construction of a 8.2-km canal and a dyke from the Sarawak River
to the South China Sea is expected to overcome floods in this city by the end of the 11th Malaysia Plan period in 2020.
Sarawak Housing and Urban Development Minister Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said today the canal, between 200 and 300 metres wide, would stretch from the Sarawak River to Batang Salak and would have two barrages to check the
overflow of water into Kuching city.
“The dyke and canal flood mitigation project began in 2009 and the widening of the river from Sungai Lemidin for a stretch of 1.5 kilometres, at a cost of RM148 million, has begun,” he told reporters after a visit to the project site
in Sungai Lemidin.
Abang Johari, who is also State Tourism and Heritage Minister, said the project took into account environmental conservation, especially preservation of the mangrove forests in Batang Salak.
He said a thorough study had been made on the implementation of the project and it was needless for the people in the vicinity to fear environmental degradation as their surroundings would be maintained in their original state.
– Bernama
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