KOTA KINABALU, Feb 18 — The federal government will channel RM5 million in allocation for the maintenance of streams and blocked drains that cause frequent flash floods in Penampang, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said.
The Penampang MP added that the allocation will be channelled soon and was a short term solution to mitigate floods in the district.
“When flooding occurred here recently, I met and discussed the matter with Deputy Prime Minsiter Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“As the minister responsible for this matter, he agreed to channel a special allocation for temporary mitgation efforts,” he told reporters after officiating a cooperative community programme here today.
Ewon also said he suggested another integrated river basin development project for Sungai Moyog with an estimated cost of RM500 million to be included in flood mitigation allocations for this year.
“This project will take some time to implement as there are many things to be done, including design plans and the procurement process. But flooding in Penampang can be overcome with the cooperation of all parties, especially the government in terms of allocations,” he said.
He added that the Penampang Public Works Department and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage will also use internal allocations to maintain several affected areas. — Bernama
