LABUAN: The prolonged flood woes in Kampung Gersik and its surrounding areas, including the town centre, will soon be a thing of the past with the RM3.8mil flood mitigation project at Sungai Gersik that is due to be completed by August.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to safeguard the well-being of the people by ensuring that essential infrastructure is in place to protect communities from the devastating impact of floods.
“The government remains steadfast in addressing flood- related challenges, particularly in coastal areas like Labuan, where tidal fluctuations significantly affect water levels,” she said after receiving a project briefing at the Sungai Gersik site yesterday.
Dr Zaliha pointed out that the project was crucial as it would help regulate the inflow of seawater during high tides, thereby preventing frequent flash floods that have long affected residents and businesses in the area.
“This is part of the government’s long-term strategy to enhance Labuan’s flood resilience.
“We want to ensure that communities are protected and businesses can operate without the constant threat of disruptions caused by flooding,” she said, Bernama reported.
She said that the project underscored the government’s proactive stance in mitigating climate-related disasters by reinforcing Labuan’s infrastructure to withstand environmental challenges while ensuring sustainable urban development.
Dr Zaliha also visited the site of a RM11.6mil bridge project at Kampung Patau-Patau 1 that is set to be completed nine months ahead of schedule, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure on Labuan.
The 4km bridge, which began construction in October 2023, is a crucial upgrade for the renowned water village, home to nearly 2,000 residents.