KUCHING: The Ministry for Public Health, Housing and Local Government has been urged to immediately deal with the flash floods which have been plaguing the people in the Pending area for over 40 years.
Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong said that flash floods were serious, especially at Lorong Foochow 1, 1T, 1V, 1W, 1X, 1Y and 1Z, every time there was heavy rain or king tide.
“The drainage system in the area has not been upgraded for a long time in the low-lying area.
“In fact, I have been selected as a representative for the people here for 15 years and I have raised this issue many times.
“This is a serious issue for the 200 households in this area as it is troublesome to deal with the aftermath of the floods every single time,” she said during her press conference at the headquarters of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) here yesterday.
She also asked the government to explain why the problem had not been resolved in such a long time.
“Because this is a low-lying area, the local authorities should raise the level of the road including upgrading the earth or mud drains to concrete drains,” she stressed.
She added that the government had admitted that the cost to build a flood barrier or dam was very expensive at the mouth of Sungai Tabuan. In 2018, it was estimated to cost RM380 million.
She also urged the Sarawak government to immediately resolve the late payment issue of fees and charges for professional consultancy firms involved in all government development projects.
“The delay can last up to more than six months to a year from the date of the payment claim made by the consultancy firms.
“This problem is caused by the bureaucracy red tape that delays the payment approval process, on top of the fact that the authorities are taking their time to finalise the consultancy agreements,” she said.
“I am highlighting this late payment issue so that the government will take immediate action to improve the payment process for all eligible recipients.
“I hope the government can fix this issue because we all want Sarawak to progress in terms of development and with the delay, it will only cause more problems for the firms as they are facing difficulties in paying the wages of their employees, supply of materials, operating costs and many more.”
Yong told the reporters that DAP Pending Branch would set up a mobile service counter in front of Lim Medical Clinic at Kenyalang tomorrow (July 30) from 8 to 10 am.
“This counter is to provide various services to local residents so that we will be able to understand their concerns including their livelihood complaints, help them apply for welfare assistance and provide legal advices.
“I will personally go there to provide services to the people too,” she added.
