GEDONG: The Sarawak Government has approved an allocation of RM15 million for the reconstruction of the collapsed riverbank near Kampung Segara Jaya here.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the reconstruction will be carried out immediately as it involves the safety of residents.
“There may have been activities that compromised the foundation structure of the riverbank, leading to erosion, which subsequently caused five houses to collapse.
“As such, we have to rebuild the riverbank embankment, and based on projections by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), this will require an allocation of RM15 million, which I have approved,” he said.
He said this to reporters after witnessing the final race of the Men’s 25-Paddle Bidar Sprint category in the 2025 Gedong Regatta held in conjunction with the Gedong Festival here today.
Abang Johari, who is also the Gedong Assemblyman, further said that the families affected by the incident will be relocated to a new area within a resettlement zone.
“The government has also decided to relocate the families of these five houses and we will make an effort to assist them in rebuilding their homes,” he said.
On a related note, he said a special meeting would be held with the local leaders, including the Premier’s special representative in Gedong, Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais, and Batang Sadong Member of Parliament, Rodiyah Sapiee, to discuss redevelopment plans for the villages in the surrounding area.
“When we look at these traditional villages, we see that accessibility is still limited. In the past, there were only footbridges.
“And now, although there is road access, it remains narrow, making it difficult for vehicles such as fire engines to enter,” he said.
He said thus the area will be re-evaluated and the state government is looking into a complete redevelopment plan for the well-being and benefits of the residents in the area.
Earlier on July 13, Naroden and Rodiyah conducted an initial inspection of the affected area and found serious riverbank erosion, resulting in house cracks, land subsidence and tilted lamp posts, which pose a safety risk to the local residents.
