KOTA BARU – The Kelantan government has sent a special proposal paper to carry out restoration works on the collapsed bank of Sg Kelantan in Kg Pohon Celagi, Pasir Mas.
The Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali said among the proposals submitted was to reconstruct the collapsed river bank in the affected area and to rebuild the Air Muleh pump house.
He said the special proposal paper will be brought to the cabinet for consideration.
“I cannot announce the exact amount as it depends on the assessment of the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID), but we expect it will involve an allocation of about RM60 million.
“From the visit this morning, we found that there is still earth movement, and new cracks have formed, requiring urgent action. We are worried that if remedial action is late, the condition will worsen and more villagers will be affected,” he told reporters after conducting a visit to the ground at the Kota Baru Federal Multipurpose Building project site in Tunjong here today.
Also present was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
Commenting further, Zuki said DID has studied the cause of the river bank collapse.
“The findings of the study will be a guide for action by the government to ensure erosion is contained.
“To lighten the burden of those affected in the incident, the state government has provided temporary accommodation,” he said.
On February 17, five houses were destroyed when the river bank collapsed in Kg Pohon Celagi, which necessitated the evacuation of 98 villagers from 45 families to safer grounds.
In another development, Zuki said he is satisfied with the progress of the Kota Baru Federal Multipurpose Building project, which is expected to be completed in three more years.
“Hopefully, the momentum is continued by the contractor and agencies involved, as it will be a landmark of development in the east coast.
“In fact, we expect it to be completed ahead of schedule at a construction cost of RM470 million,” he said. – Bernama, March 6, 2021
