KUCHING (Jan 26): The flood detention ponds being built in the Batu Kawah area here are hailed as critical facilities not only in terms of flood management, but also their function as valuable spaces for the local communities.

This dual functionality was highlighted by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian when met by reporters after having officiating at the launch of the ‘Harmonious Spring Singing Competition’, hosted by Kuching Bersatu Welfare Association at Boulevard Shopping Mall here today .

“When the rivers are at high tide and the water cannot flow fast enough, these ponds act as a buffer to prevent flooding.

“But for most of the year, these ponds stay dry and can be repurposed for other activities, such as football fields or futsal courts.

“These flood detention ponds are not just for holding water,” said the state Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government.

Elaborating, Dr Sim said he drew inspiration from Japan’s advanced flood management systems, noting how they incorporated flood detention ponds, underground reservoirs and pumps to handle extreme water volumes.

The Batu Kawah assemblyman also said that the size of the ponds could range from five to ten acres, allowing them to store significant volumes of water.

“In Japan, 361 days a year, these areas are dry, but for the few days they are needed, they can hold millions of gallons of water.

“A typical five-acre flood detention pond can hold the equivalent of 40,000 water trucks.

“These ponds can help protect residential areas.”

In this aspect, Dr Sim encouraged the communities to maximise the use of these flood-detention pond areas during the dry days.

“The rest of the year, these areas can be used for sports or recreational purposes. Unless, of course, floods strike; then it’s not a good idea to play water polo,” he quipped.

In November last year, the Sarawak government kicked off the construction of the third flood detention pond at Desa Wira in Batu Kawah, at a cost of RM14.5 million.

Dr Sim himself witnessed the handing-over of the project’s letter of award by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak to the contractor.

Covering approximately five acres, the Desa Wira pond is designed to hold over 30,000 cubic metres of water – equivalent to 12,000 water tankers, or the size of 60 detached housing units.

The works commenced on Nov 25 last year, and should reach completion by this July 24.

“This project is a critical step toward addressing the long-standing flood issues in Batu Kawah,” said Dr Sim at the time.

The other flood detention ponds areas are in Batu Kawah New Township and Pines Square.