Master plan on the Papar flood woes
Published on: Tuesday, July 02, 2019
By: Jeremy S Zabala
PAPAR: A master plan to address flood woes in the district is in the pipeline. State Law and Native Affairs Minister Datuk Aidi Moktar said the plan would involve upgrading the irrigation systems in the villages as well as elevations to ensure the flooding problem will be solved holistically.
He said discussions were held recently with the District Council to identify the locations that are prone to flooding after a heavy downpour.
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“I have asked the District Council together with the Drainage and Irrigation Department to come up with a master plan to address the drainage issues in the district.
“But we have yet to determine the total cost as well as the time frame for the works to be carried out, but they must be able to solve the flooding problem holistically,” he told Daily Express after officiating the 2019 Papar district level Teacher’s Day celebration and 2019-2021 Papar Smart.
Also present were State Agriculture and Food Industry Assistant Minister cum Bongawan Assemblyman Dr Daud Yusof, Papar Education Officer Suhaimi Matshah and District Officer Ghulam Rasul Hapil, among others.
Aidi, who is also Pantai Manis Assemblyman, said the drainage systems with complex issues would usually be addressed by the Government, but “small” matters such as self-maintenance by the public are vital in ensuring clogging of drains will not occur.
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He said the community should play their role in maintaining the existing drainage in their respective villages.
“If the local communities uphold such awareness, chances are overflowing and flood will not occur.”
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Earlier in his speech, Aidi reminded teachers to stay resilient in facing the challenges to ensure the teaching and learning methods are effective and in line with the Malaysian Education Development Plan 2013-2025.
He urged teachers, parents as well as the community to work closely and help schools in optimising students’ potential in mastering the 21st century skills.
“This is in line with the Sabah Education and Innovation Ministry’s effort to empower the people with skills, knowledge and information technology towards producing dynamic and flexible students who are resilient in facing any challenges in the Industrial Revolution 4.0,” he said.
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