Penampang flood issues not being ignored, says Ewon

KOTA KINABALU: The perennial issue of flooding in the Penampang district is not being ignored and efforts to tackle the problem are in progress, says Datuk Ewon Benedick.

The Penampang MP was responding to criticism of the government's priorities following the recent announcement of a RM300mil road upgrading project.

The project, which includes the construction of a flyover, is set to start soon in Donggongon, the district capital.

Benedick, who is also Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, said phases one and three of the four-phase flood mitigation project were ongoing, adding these involve work downstream in Sungai Moyog in the Putatan area and Sungai Kibabaig.

However, he said phases two and four involving work along Sungai Moyog had been delayed, adding that he had already raised the matter concerning the funds needed to commence these phases with the Federal Cabinet.

"The implementation is also ongoing in Donggongon, so the flood mitigation project is there, it's ongoing," he said, when met after an event in Penampang near here on Saturday (Feb 18).

He added that he was working to expedite work to start phases two and four.

Benedick explained phases one and three involves clearing the main drainage systems, culverts and tributaries.

"It's incomplete without phases two and four," he added.

He also said work on the flood mitigation project started before the announcement of the road upgrading project at Jalan Donggongon-Tambunan, which is expected to be completed by 2025.

Benedick said he brought up the issue of floods in Penampang during the Cabinet meeting on Friday (Feb 17).

"I suggested that the Moyog River Integrated River Basin Development Project, which is estimated to cost RM500mil, must be included in this year's flood mitigation allocation.

"I've also discussed with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is the minister in charge of natural disasters, for an immediate special allocation to be channelled to Penampang.

"He has agreed to allocate RM5mil for works to clear blockages in drainage, culverts and tributaries," he said, adding the Irrigation and Drainage Department and Public Works Department was also committed to help.

He also urged Penampang residents to play their part.

"They must avoid reclamation activities that could affect drainage systems or constrict tributaries in their villages.

"Responsibility not only lies with the technical departments, the local representative or the government but residents themselves too," he said.