A SUM of RM275mil is needed to implement Phase Five of the Sibu flood mitigation project under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the project would start next year with completion expected in 2027.
“The project covers a total of 2,2128ha where about 80,000 out of 89,752 people are at risk of being flood victims,” he said at the Dewan Negara when replying to Bawang Assan SUPP chairman Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew.
Tuan Ibrahim said the project scope included consulting services, detailed design, site supervision, appointment of surveyor consultants, land investigation work, land acquisition, project management, preliminary work, utility removal, pump-house construction, flood reservoir construction and drainage upgrading.
Lau had previously urged the Federal Government to fund Phase Five of the Sibu flood mitigation project that involved three pump stations and bunds over 3.5km.
“The low-lying areas and riverbanks are still subject to regular flash floods.
“The flood mitigation project that started in 2008 has not been completed.
“So far, seven pump stations have been completed and two are in progress.
“Another five have yet to be built, along with two stretches of bunds,” Lau added.
Sarawak government is spending RM120mil to build Phase Four which will include two pump stations and 1.5km of bunds.