River project to cost RM568mil

TEMERLOH: Several rivers in Pahang will be cleaned up and deepened as part of the floods mitigation measures.

State Drainage and Irrigation Department director Shaharuddin Ibrahim said the project involving a length of 272km would be undertaken by a company using Chinese dredging technology.

Shaharuddin said the first phase costing RM568mil had been given the green light by the state government early this year.

“This is part of the long-term mitigation measures to reduce risks and minimise damages during every monsoon season.

“The rivers involved are Sungai Jelai, Sungai Lipis, Sungai Pahang, Sungai Kenau and Sungai Kuantan,” he said here during a dialogue with residents here recently.

Shaharuddin said the company - Gegaran Alam Sdn Bhd - would be tasked to rehabilitate the rivers by way dredging out the sand, deepening and realigning the river flow.

He said upon completion, the risk areas of floods could be reduced from 8,000ha to 2,700ha.

“Previous major floods which hit Pahang in 1991, 2001, 2012, 2013 and last year saw hugh losses incurred.

“Floods are occurring more rampant and mitigation measures must be put in place from now,” he said.

Shaharuddin said the department would monitor the work progress closely and if proven successful, the second phase involving another 279km in length would be carried out.

He said the rivers involved would be Sungai Pahang, Sungai Semantan, Sungai Bentong and Sungai Telemong.

“This project will be a win-win situation as the state government will save in terms of cost while the company will get its due from the sales of sand from the dredging activities.

“Work will commence after getting feedback from residents and reports from other state agencies such as the Environment Department,” he said.