Tuaran: Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has submitted a request to the Tuaran Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) for the construction of riverbank protection structures at several areas in Kiulu that are badly affected by erosion.
The request was made following complaints from the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), who are worried about the worsening erosion caused by floods.
On Wednesday, Joniston visited the Tuaran DID office to get a briefing and discuss issues related to riverbank erosion as well as the need for proper irrigation for paddy fields and fruit farms in Kiulu.
During the meeting, Joniston handed over a list of areas facing serious riverbank erosion that require quick action to the Tuaran District Engineer, Mohd Khairul Anwar Abdul Rahman.
“So far, 17 locations have been identified as requiring urgent riverbank protection, including Nampayan paddy fields along Sungai Ponohuon (100m), Hatob Agricultural Road along Sungai Ponohuon (100m) and the new water channel at Kg. Ponohuon paddy fields (100m).
“Other areas include Rusinah’s house area along Sungai Ponohuon (70m), Kiulu Cultural House along Sungai Tuaran (100m), Dogis Road at Kg Malangang Baru along Sungai Tuaran (40m) and Kiulu Tourism Centre along Sungai Tombongon (20m).
“Additional locations in need of protection are Kg Lubok along Sungai Kakib/Kimulou (100m), Kg Rugading in Kiulu along Sungai Tuaran with two identified sections (100m and 200m), Kg Malangang Lama along Sungai Pulou Kelapa (100m), Mini Hall at Kg Waig2 along Sungai Tuaran (100m), Nampasan in Kg Pukak along Sungai Tuaran (100m) and Tagal Kitapol Hall along Sungai Mantaranau (30m).
“Also included are Ratau Tourism Centre along Sungai Kimulou (100m), Kg Pahu Tourism Centre along Sungai Kimulou (200m) and the riverbank near Muslim and Christian cemeteries in Kg Nawoi,” he said.
Joniston said the Kiulu Community Development Office inspected all the locations and found that the erosion was serious and needs urgent attention.
“This situation could lead to even worse damage if not addressed quickly.
“I hope immediate action will be taken to solve the erosion problem that threatens the safety of villagers and tourism areas in Kiulu,” Joniston said.
Photos of each affected location were also submitted to Tuaran DID for reference.
During the briefing, Khairul informed that the riverbank protection project at Kg Tompinahaton, costing RM2 million, has been completed.
Meanwhile, the riverbank protection projects at SMK Tun Fuad Stephens and SK Pekan Kiulu, costing RM9 million, are being carried out and expected to be completed next year.
Prior to this, Joniston also made site visits and discussions with officers from the Tuaran Public Works Department (JKR) and the Tuaran Agriculture Department to address related issues affecting the Kiulu area.
