KOTA BELUD – The Pan Borneo Highway project has not been ruled out as one of the causes of floods in 40 areas here this week.
Sabah PKR deputy chairman Mustapha Sakmud said that several areas in Kota Belud including Kg Rampayan Ulu that had never been affected by flooding for the past 40 years were suddenly inundated following 12 hours of continuous rain last Monday.
“This extraordinary phenomenon is worrying for the residents, especially in areas that had never been affected by flood before,” said Mustapha who is also Kota Belud PKR branch chief.
Mustapha said that based on information from flood victims, many linked the floods to ongoing road projects, especially the Pan Borneo Highway project and road upgrade in Kg Lebak Moyoh roundabout, which was inundated on Monday.
He said poor maintenance of rivers, ditches, and landfills, as well as unplanned development, were also associated with the flood occurrence.
Mustapha also said that the upgrading project of Kudat bypass road from Kg Lebak Moyoh to the Sg Gurung-gurung (approximately 550 metres) which costs RM6.5 million needs to be re-examined.
He said that the project was announced by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor in February, which aims to curb the flooding problem in the area.
“The project was started but it did not solve the problem. The recent flood re-submerged the already covered roads, and small vehicles were stuck from late afternoon until 3am,” he said.
Mustapha said while he welcomes the development of roads for the convenience of the people, he said the government must conduct proper planning, and implementation of projects must take into account the impact on the local population.
“I urge the relevant agencies and departments to re-examine the development of Pan Borneo roads and road upgrading projects to ensure controlled water flow and vehicular traffic problems can be solved.
“I also request that the ongoing river sand dredging project can help reduce flash floods in villages here,” he said.
Last Wednesday, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin admitted that the Pan Borneo Highway project, and poorly planned development have contributed to flooding in some areas in Sabah.
However, Bung said there are also other factors, such as littering in waterways that have contributed to flooding.
“Another factor is, while development has expanded along with the population, our amenities are not planned properly.”
As such, Bung said that a state-appointed special action committee will conduct a meeting to address the issue holistically. – The Vibes, September 24, 2021
