Tesha Villa Flood Mitigation Progresses Smoothly, Project Ahead of Schedule

(Kuching, 24th) The first phase of the Tesha Villa flood mitigation project in Batu Kawa is progressing smoothly, with construction progress reaching 60.4%, exceeding the projected progress by 13%.

This development plan, aimed at alleviating and even resolving the area's flood issues, was advocated by Batu Kawa constituency assemblyman Dato Amar Sim Kui Hian, and, upon approval from the Sarawak government, executed by the Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage.

The key components of this development plan include building a 1.4-hectare retention pond to ensure that, in times of unusually heavy rainfall when large amounts of water cannot be discharged instantly, it can temporarily store water and provide a buffering effect. At the same time, during dry periods, it can serve as a recreational area.

Sim Kui Hian recently visited and inspected the project with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, expressing satisfaction at the progress achieved.

"The Tesha Villa retention area is equivalent in size to the land required for building 60 detached houses or 250 apartment units. The pond can store over 30,000 cubic meters of water—equal to the capacity of 12,000 water tankers."

He said other flood mitigation works include the construction of an internal drainage system, with a total cost of RM14.5 million, and the project commenced in November last year.

As for the second phase of the flood mitigation works, Sim Kui Hian noted that public tendering for the project closed on the 24th of this month, and the relevant agencies will now actively process the necessary documents and procedures.

He stated that this year, the Sarawak government is actively promoting basic infrastructure development and has set aside the necessary funds. The key factor is the performance of contractors—if contractors underperform and "sick projects" (delayed and problematic projects) occur, this will not only cause serious construction delays but also inconvenience the public and increase financial costs.

Addressing Tesha Villa, Sim Kui Hian said that as Tesha Villa sits on low-lying terrain and the surrounding areas are rapidly developing, the district often faces instant flooding after sudden heavy rain.

"Solving the Tesha Villa flooding issue did not just begin now, nor can it be resolved by merely upgrading a drain or two; it requires a comprehensive plan. Therefore, only by improving internal drains, enlarging external drainage, and building retention ponds can the problem be effectively alleviated."

Previously, the Sarawak government also approved construction of the first retention pond on vacant land in front of Batu Kawa New Township, with a budget of RM19.88 million, to be built from May 24, 2024, to May 23, 2026; the second retention pond will be built in the Pine Square commercial area, with total expenditure of RM22,503,077, and is expected to be completed by November 23, 2026.