KUCHING (Dec 10): A drainage upgrading project at Jalan Kuching Ranger Depo located in front of the Kota Sentosa Library has been completed, marking a major step in addressing long-standing flood and drainage issues in the area.

The project, implemented under the 2023 Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) with an allocation of RM300,000, involved the upgrading of about 300 metres of roadside drainage infrastructure to mitigate flash flooding, water overflow and soil erosion affecting nearby commercial and residential areas.

Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said the completion of the project would bring significant benefits to residents, road users and surrounding community facilities.

“For years, heavy rainfall resulted in frequent flooding and inconvenience in front of the Kota Sentosa Library and nearby areas. This upgraded drainage system is an important infrastructure improvement that enhances safety and resilience,” he said in a press statement.

He expressed appreciation to the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) and the appointed contractor for completing the works according to specifications and within the revised timeframe.

Yap noted that allocations under the Sarawak government’s RTP continued to play a crucial role in resolving practical, everyday infrastructure issues faced by local communities.

“As the Kota Sentosa assemblyman, my priority is to ensure every sen of RTP funding is used effectively for the benefit of the people. This project reflects our commitment to addressing real problems on the ground and delivering meaningful improvements,” he said.

He also thanked residents, shop owners and road users for their patience throughout the construction period and assured that more small-scale but high-impact projects would continue to be implemented across Kota Sentosa.

Meanwhile, on Monday, three additional RTP projects under the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) were approved, with Letters of Award handed over to contractors for drainage and road upgrading works.

The projects include the upgrading of drainage at Lorong Sungai Tapang 4 by Eastline Synergy Resources (RM500,000), drainage upgrading at Lorong Sungai Tapang 9 by Syarikat Salur Berkat (RM100,000), and road upgrading works at Kampung Temedak by Faes Enterprise (RM40,000).

Yap said the major drainage works at Lorong Sungai Tapang 4 are expected to resolve recurring flash flood issues caused by ageing and inadequate infrastructure, while improvements at Lorong Sungai Tapang 9 will strengthen the drainage network, reduce overflow risks and improve environmental cleanliness.

The Kampung Temedak road upgrade, he added, will enhance accessibility and safety for villagers, particularly during the wet season.

He stressed that the projects were initiated based on feedback received from residents through regular walkabouts, community dialogues and engagement sessions, and reaffirmed his commitment to working with the MPP, community leaders and residents to expedite further infrastructure improvements throughout Kota Sentosa.