KOTA KINABALU: A RM36 million Phase One flood mitigation project in Rampayan, reported to be almost fully completed, has allegedly failed to function after flooding once again hit the area recently.
Darau assemblyman Azhar Matussin said the failure of the project, which has reached 95% completion, raises serious questions about its planning, implementation and overall effectiveness.
He said residents continue to face risks whenever heavy rain occurs, despite the substantial investment made, prompting concerns over public safety and the protection of property.
Azhar noted that no technical audit report or effectiveness assessment has been made public so far, fuelling concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of the project.
He also questioned the delay in approving the RM39 million Phase Two of the project, which was only granted after Phase One was nearly completed, even though flooding issues had been raised repeatedly over the years.
“The key issues, including river deepening and widening, dredging works, and erosion along the riverbanks, have long been highlighted but have yet to be addressed comprehensively,” he said.
Azhar urged the authorities to provide an immediate and transparent explanation to the public, and called for Phase Two to be implemented without further delay to safeguard residents and prevent recurring floods.
