Kelantan DID undertaking three drainage projects worth RM12.88mil in Kota Bharu

KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) is undertaking three drainage projects in the Kota Bharu district worth RM12.88mil.

Its director Kamal Mustapha said the locations involved are the Ketereh Fire and Rescue Station, Kok Lanas Health Clinic and Sekolah Kebangsaan Ketereh.

“We have submitted an application to the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry and the state government to undertake the drainage projects at these flood hotspots. The drain construction and maintenance work can also be done in other areas or districts, but it depends on the allocation received,” he said when contacted by Bernama on Sunday (Jan 8).

Kamal said that five other projects in Kota Bharu are in the tender process and would be implemented in Kampung Kota, Taman Wadi Iman, Pasar Kedai Mulong, behind Istana Kubang Kerian, and in Kampung Baruh Kadok Batu 8.

“The state government also approved RM339,000 for drains upgrading and related works in Kampung Seberang, Pasir Mas and Salor, Kota Bharu last year,” he said.

He added that a total of 615 river conservation projects were carried out last year to reduce the risk of floods at a cost of RM27.74mil.

“The scope of river conservation includes bank stabilisation, river maintenance, and dredging of the river, which requires about RM10 million every year just for river maintenance,” he said.

Prior to this, Bernama reported that the residents had urged the Kelantan government to address issues on drainage and irrigation so that flash floods do not recur in the future.

Based on the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (PRABN), a total of 595 flood hotspots were identified in Kelantan, with Pasir Mas district having the highest number with 81 locations, followed by Machang (64), and Gua Musang (48). – Bernama