Part of Sungai Durin being cleaned up.
THREE major rivers in the Durin area of Sibu, Sarawak, will be cleaned after decades of neglect.
The RM1.2mil funding for the rehabilitation of Sungai Durin, Sungai Naman and Sungai Assan is provided by Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), said PDP Dudong chairman Datuk Teo Boon Siew.
Teo, who had lobbied for the cleanup, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who is also Dudong assemblyman, played a crucial role in securing government approval for the funding.
“These three rivers have not been cleaned for nearly 50 years.
“Issues such as fallen trees, overgrowth and pollution have been damaging the river ecosystem.
“These rivers are not only vital transport routes for the local community but are also crucial to their daily lives as many activities rely on the water quality and cleanliness of the rivers,” Teo told reporters after the miring ceremony to honour the spirits and ancestors held in conjunction with the Sungai Durin cleaning project.
He said RM300,000 had been allocated each for the Sungai Durin and Sungai Naman cleanups, while it is RM600,000 for the longer Sungai Assan.
“The cleanup, which started a few weeks ago, was temporarily halted due to rainy weather and low tide.
“However, with improved weather, the contractor is expected to expedite the work,” Teo added.
