KENINGAU: The demolition of an old culvert in Kampung Sandapak, Bingkor proved that the narrow structure was the main cause of the Kisaging River overflow, which has repeatedly affected residents’ homes here.
Heavy rain for almost two hours on Saturday afternoon was a direct test of the action. The river water level has risen following the continuous rain, but the situation is under control and is no longer overflowing like in the past.
The old culvert was previously identified as a ‘bottleneck’ that blocked the flow of water. When the volume of the river increases, the water pressure increases and overflows into low-lying areas including the yards and spaces inside nearby houses.
Following complaints and a recent field survey, Bingkor Assemblyman, Dato’ Sr. Mohd Ishak Ayub, personally went down to the location with UPPM Bingkor officers, District Office officers and an engineer from the Keningau Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS), Ir. Dachord Moujing, to see the actual situation on the ground.
The results of the technical inspection found that the capacity of the old culvert was no longer able to accommodate the flow of the Kisaging River during heavy rain.
An immediate order was then issued to dismantle the structure as a preliminary step before the installation of a new, larger culvert is implemented.
The development is described as a proactive action based on technical assessment and direct observation on site, thus answering questions that have long plagued residents.
This evening’s rain showed that without the narrow structure, the flow of the Kisaging River is smoother and the risk of overflow can be significantly reduced.
The installation of the new culvert is expected to be implemented in the near future to ensure a more comprehensive and lasting solution for the safety and well-being of the residents of Kampung Sandapak.
