KOTA KINABALU: Residents of Kampung Mansiang, Menggatal in this area are requesting that the river upgrading project in their village be incorporated into the long-term planning of relevant agencies following the fourth flooding incident affecting the area this year.
Chairman of Kelab Cakna Bersama Kota Kinabalu (KCBKK), Albert Jumitih, representing the village residents, stated that today’s flood has caused property damage and financial losses, while also disrupting daily life and raising concerns about family safety.
He expressed appreciation to the Sabah State Government through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) for approving the river dredging and cleaning work carried out annually.
Appreciation was also extended to all agencies and parties that assisted residents in dealing with the disaster.
Albert also conveyed gratitude to the Member of Parliament for Sepanggar and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak), Datuk Ts. Mustapha @ Mohd Yunus Sakmud, for his concern regarding the welfare of Kampung Mansiang residents and surrounding villages in the Sepanggar Parliamentary constituency affected by the flooding.
“We greatly appreciate the attention and efforts of all parties and understand that disasters can occur unexpectedly.
“However, the recurring flooding incidents demonstrate the necessity to complement annual maintenance work with more comprehensive long-term planning,” he said.
In this regard, he respectfully requested that the proposal to upgrade Kampung Mansiang River be considered in the planning of future projects and budget allocations.
According to him, a technical study must be conducted to determine the most appropriate approach.
Among the proposals submitted are comprehensive river upgrading by constructing concrete embankments at identified locations, as well as widening and deepening the river channel to increase water flow capacity.
As an alternative, the river widening and deepening work can be implemented in phases, beginning in areas most frequently affected by flooding, along with improvements to the existing drainage system.
All proposals are subject to technical evaluation by JPS to ensure that implemented measures are suitable for reducing the risk of major flooding, while not affecting water flow and the environment.
“We hope that a phased implementation plan can be developed by prioritizing areas frequently impacted. We also expect that progress on this planning can be communicated to residents.
“This request is submitted with utmost respect and spirit of cooperation. We earnestly hope that existing efforts can be strengthened through long-term solutions, particularly the construction of concrete embankments at identified locations, for the safety of residents, protection of property, and the well-being of Kampung Mansiang,” he stated.
