PAPAR – Sabah can earn money while solving much of its flash flood problem in the state, effectively killing two birds with one stone, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan.
This follows a few parties expressing keenness to buy the sand contributing to frequent flash floods in the state.
He said that the sand, along with soil and other debris, is among the identified causes of flooding, as its accumulation creates congestion and blocks the water flow at river mouths.
He said that the sand and all the debris need to be removed.
“We will have a comprehensive approach to this soon, so we are waiting for that. Right now, we have group(s) offering help and PFIs (private finance initiatives) to solve some of our infrastructure problems, and we welcome such gestures.
“Imagine if US$10 billion (RM41.42 billion) comes in (from selling the sand),” Jeffrey, who is also Sabah’s agriculture and fisheries minister, said during his visit to a vanilla farm here today.
The flood issue is under the state Irrigation and Drainage Department, which is under the purview of the Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry.
Jeffrey said that while the ministry is solving the problem in the long run, the people should learn from the condition of the weather and rivers and make adjustments accordingly.
Flash floods in Sabah occur about twice a year, and the frequently affected districts are Penampang, Tuaran, Beaufort and Tenom.
Just today, over 1,400 were evacuated from their homes in Tenom and Beaufort to 11 temporary relief centres, with the number of evacuees expected to rise. – The Vibes, May 21, 2021
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