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KUALA LUMPUR – State agencies have been urged to upgrade the river embankments in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, as well as to conduct more frequent maintenance work to stem persistent flooding in the area.
Kota Samarahan PKR chief Mahmud Epah said among the factors is the broken embankment due to erosion.
Another factor is the area’s drainage system that has not been upgraded or maintained, leading to the lack of outflow when the river overflows and during a downpour.
“I urge the relevant agencies, especially the Irrigation and Drainage Department, to carry out more frequent maintenance on the embankments.
“I also hope that the responsible agencies will look into effective flood mitigation systems to resolve inundation of areas near rivers, especially in Kota Samarahan,” he said in a statement today.
He added that riverside residential areas are at risk of floods and personal safety as the monsoon seasons bring continuous heavy rain.
Kota Samarahan was among the many areas hit by floods late last year. – The Vibes, January 27, 2023