TEMERLOH, March 8 ― The Pahang government is in the process of deepening and cleaning up several rivers spanning 272km to solve flood woes in the state.
Pahang Drainage and Irrigation Department director Ir. Shahruddin Ibrahim said the project would be implemented in two phases and the work to dig up sand and pebbles from the rivers would be carried out using China technology by the contractor appointed by the state government.
“The first phase of the project, which involves an allocation of RM568 million, has been approved by the state government in January this year with the aim to reduce flood risk in the state.
“The appointed contractor will also carry out river rehabilitation by deepening and improving the water flow in five rivers, namely Sungai Jelai, Sungai Lipis, Sungai Pahang, Sungai Kenau and Sungai Kuantan.”
He said this to reporters after attending a briefing and dialogue with residents at the Kuala Krau Municipal Council Hall here today.
Shahruddin said once completed, the size of flood-prone areas in the state would be reduced to 2,700 hectares from the current 8,000 hectares.
“If the first phase of the project runs smoothly, approval will be sought to implement the second phase spanning of 279km involving Sungai Pahang, Sungai Semantan, Sungai Bentong and Sungai Telemong,” he said.
He said the state government would be able to save money in the second phase as all costs would be borne by the contractor, who would make reciprocal profit from the sale of sand and pebbles from the rivers.
“The project will be implemented soon after it receives the Environmental Impact Assessment certificate, as well as approval from the local residents,” he added. ― Bernama
