KUCHING: Work on the Padang Merdeka flood mitigation project is ongoing – it has yet to reach completion, not as claimed by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong recently.

Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) commission member Datuk Wee Hong Seng told reporters this when met during an inspection on the project site at Lebuh Java at the Kuching Waterfront yesterday.

In a statement made in Thursday, Yong claimed that the RM8.5 million project had reached completion in March last year and slammed DBKU as being ‘ineffective’ in managing the flood mitigation works.

According to Wee, the Padang Merdeka flood mitigation project is divided into three phases – the first two have reached completion, but the third is still ongoing.

“We would like the public to know that this project is still ongoing, and it is not as quoted by certain people’s representative, who said that the project had reached completion,” he said.

Works on Phase III of the flood mitigation project is expected to reach completion by April 12 – however, DBKU is targeting to finish them before the Chinese New Year.

The current physical progress of the works stands at 65 per cent.

Nevertheless, the diversion and relocation of utilities cables managed by Sarawak Energy Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd and Sacofa, as well as water pipes run by Kuching Water Board, could cause some delays, said Wee.

“It is very unfair and unprofessional to put such misleading information about and make baseless accusation against the DBKU.”

Wee emphasised that DBKU would always welcome enquiries from all stakeholders should they have any doubt about any project handled by the commission, but they should always carry it out in a more professional way.

“Find out the truth before you speak, especially when the people’s representatives have more responsibilities and you (people’s representatives) should be telling the public the truth,” he pointed out.

On another matter, Wee said a committee had been formed before the commencement of the flood mitigation project, to address potential issues that might arise during the development period.

“So far, you can see that this is a project with the least complaints, because we have gone through all the process, talked to the people and engaged with the committee,” he added.