Urgent repairs needed for landslide-hit areas in Song ahead of Gawai - Nanta

KAPIT: Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has urged that repair works on hazardous slopes and landslide-affected areas along Jalan Sipan/Temalat in Song be carried out without delay to ensure public safety ahead of the upcoming Gawai Dayak celebrations.

In a statement uploaded to Facebook today, he said the cost to repair the dangerous slopes is estimated at RM2 million, while the restoration of landslide-hit areas would require an allocation of RM5 million.

"Although the road falls under the jurisdiction of the state government, it is crucial that these repair works be expedited to ensure the safety of road users," he said.

Nanta made the statement while attending the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) Disaster Reporting Meeting held at the Song District Office today.

During the meeting, Nanta, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kapit, reminded the Public Works Department (JKR) to immediately install warning signs at landslide-prone areas along the Sibu-Kapit route to prevent any untoward incidents.

He also shared that Song District Officer Harry Bruce Edwin reported that 14 areas were affected by flooding between March 21 and 23, forcing 104 people to be evacuated.

Six schools were also affected by the floods: SK Nanga Beguang, SK Nanga Temalat, SK Lubok Bedil, SK Nanga Janan, SK Nanga Nansang and SMK Katibas.

In total, around 1,500 residents were reportedly affected, although many were reluctant to relocate to the temporary evacuation centres provided.

-- BERNAMA