MIRI (July 15): The implementation of drainage and irrigation improvement works cannot be rushed as they must follow proper procedures, said Minister for Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

Lee pointed out that multiple stages are involved, including planning, applying for funding, and engaging consultants.

“All these projects take time ― from planning to securing funds, up to awarding the tenders to contractors. We cannot take shortcuts. Consultants must be appointed to conduct studies, surveys, and to draft plans.

“The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) must then submit these plans to the State Planning Authority (SPA) for approval before proceeding with project design and tender,” he told reporters during a site visit to the proposed drainage works at Taman Lopeng here yesterday.

As such, Lee urged residents to understand the situation and not assume that the authorities are ignoring flood issues in their area.

He said DID Miri has drawn up plans for a major drainage upgrade project covering areas from Taman Tunku to Padang Kerbau.

“The RM50-million project has been in the pipeline for nearly three years and funding for its implementation has been approved,” he said.

The project, slated to commence by the end of this year, aims to mitigate flood in low-lying and flood-prone zones from Taman Tunku to Padang Kerbau.

Lee added that this is one of two major drainage projects approved for his constituency.

“The other involves areas in Senadin and Lutong with a project value of RM45 million,” he added.

On the maintenance of an earth drain stretching two kilometres in Pujut Padang Kerbau, Lee said the flood drain discharges into Sungai Dalam.

According to him, RM75,000 has been allocated for cleaning works, which commenced last week and are expected to be completed within two weeks.

Also present was Miri DID engineer Daniel Chen.