(Kuching, 29th) – Residents of the BDC Resettlement Area (Ba Dian Di) have been living without a proper drainage system for over 30 years.
Chong Fong Nian, special assistant to Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen, pointed out that this long-term neglect is completely unacceptable and highlights the serious dereliction of duty by the relevant authorities and state government in terms of planning and infrastructure development.
He said that many places in the area are still using earth drains for drainage, and these drains are not cleaned regularly, resulting in severe blockage, long-term stagnant water, poor drainage, and mosquito breeding. This poses serious threats to the health and environment of residents.
One obvious example is the chronic waterlogging issue near Lorong 29 along Jalan Stampin Baru. This situation has persisted for many years and is a result of incomplete planning from the very beginning, as a comprehensive drainage system was not installed in the first place.
What’s even more baffling, he pointed out, is that even the Kuching South City Council itself has admitted that there is no proper drainage infrastructure in the entire BDC Resettlement Area, and most places are still relying solely on earth drains for drainage.
It is hard to imagine that after more than 30 years, local residents are still forced to live in such conditions. Whenever it rains heavily, many homes are flooded due to inadequate drainage, and reportedly even the government clinic at Lorong 29 is frequently flooded as a result.
Clearly, the urgent priority now is to formulate a comprehensive plan to rebuild and upgrade the drainage system for the BDC Resettlement Area. The relevant authorities must take this matter seriously and quickly construct a proper concrete drainage system to provide a permanent solution to the long-standing water and drainage issues in the area.
Thirty years have passed; the relevant authorities and state government can no longer delay or ignore the plight of the residents by making any excuses.
Residents of the BDC Resettlement Area should enjoy better living conditions, proper infrastructure, an efficient drainage system, and a safe living environment, just like residents in other areas of the city.