KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government must take a fresh look into developing coastal reservoirs to not only mitigate floods but strengthen water resource management following the latest round of floods in Penampang.
Water engineers from the International Water Association (IWA) said that the coastal reservoir plan in Sabah was not just about flood control but was an investment combining flood storage, tidal defence and water resource management.
"This infrastructure not only safeguards communities but also fosters future development and economic well-being”, engineers Lim Sim Poh and Amarjit Singh said in a statement Monday (Sept 22).
They said the Penampang district, in the flood prone west coast of Sabah, faces recurrent flooding due to a combination of heavy monsoon rains, tidal surges from the South China Sea and rapid urban expansion.
Existing flood control measures have proven insufficient, resulting in frequent disruptions, damage to infrastructure, and economic consequences, the engineers said.
Amarjit and Lim, who are part of the Sustainable Coastal and Estuarine Development special group within the IWA, said the coastal reservoirs would help tackle the persistent flooding issue in Penampang.
They proposed that the coastal reservoir be situated downstream of the Moyog, Petagas and Putatan rivers before it reaches the coast of the South China Sea.
It will serve to capture floodwaters, combat seawater intrusion, and provide an additional raw water source for the benefit of Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding areas, the duo suggested.
"By intertwining flood management with water resource utilisation, this project is positioned to enhance climate resilience, foster sustainable urban development, and contributes to the overall well-being of the region.
"Essential components of the infrastructure include a coastal barrage, gated spillways, pumping stations, diversion channels, and water treatment intakes, all aimed at efficiently managing floodwaters and securing a reliable water supply for the community," they said in the statement.
Beyond its technical aspects, the engineers said the project would deliver substantial economic and social benefits by reducing flood-related damages, protecting communities, and nurturing lasting urban advancement.
They said that a comprehensive feasibility evaluation must be done to determine technical specifications, environmental and social impacts, and optimal funding strategies.
As for funding, it could be a mix of governmental funding at federal and state levels, partnerships with private entities or even accessing international resources dedicated to climate resilience.
In last week's floods, Penampang was among eight districts in west coast Sabah that was hit by severe flooding following nearly ten-days of persistent rainfall from Sep 8-17.
Thirteen people were killed in landslides, houses were damaged by the floods and over 3,000 people were evacuated from their homes.
