Floods: Sipitang Council is told to act
Published on: Tuesday, August 06, 2024
By: Ahmad Apong
Isnin and others looking at one of the clogged drains.
SIPITANG: Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, has called for immediate action to address the recurring flash floods plaguing Sipitang town.
Isnin was briefed on the problem caused by clogged drainage systems during his recent visit here.
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To mitigate the issue, Isnin urged the Sipitang District Council to increase the frequency of drainage inspections and implement regular maintenance schedules.
He also emphasised the crucial role of proper waste management in preventing blockages.
“The people are fed up with the constant flooding,” said Isnin, highlighting the negative impact on residents and businesses.
“We have heard the people’s complaints about wanting all the drainage systems in this town to be maintained and cleaned regularly to prevent them from being clogged as rainwater cannot flow out,” he said.
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This, he said, is the main reason why even after just an hour or two of rain, the entire area floods, causing various problems for the residents.
The Klias Assemblyman noted that the town’s proximity to the sea makes the frequent floods even more perplexing.
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The government, he said, views this matter seriously as flash floods occur frequently, despite the town’s proximity to the sea, which makes such occurrences unlikely.
To boost the local economy, he also proposed developing a dedicated area for fruit vendors, aiming to create a more organised and attractive space for both locals and tourists.
“Sipitang is a stopover for tourists from Brunei and a destination for people from neighboring Sarawak. Therefore, a more suitable and strategic site with various basic facilities is needed,” he said.
Additionally, he visited the Sipitang landfill and the Taman Negara recreational park in Kampung Merintaman.
He was welcomed by the District Council Chairman cum District Officer, Ag Ku Raimy Pg Abd Rahman, and the District Council Executive Officer, Hamsad Abd Wahid, along with their officers.
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