Samuel (left,) and Yong Tain Vui inspecting the condition of the main drainage in Kolombong.
KOTA KINABALU : – In light of the recent flooding in Kolombong, Warisan calls on the government to urgently address the frequent flood problem in this area, as it has severely impacted both the local communities and business sectors.
The recent flood was particularly severe, with even four-wheel-drive vehicles and larger cars unable to pass through roads submerged in water.
This resulted in significant traffic congestion that persisted for several hours into the evening.
In a joint statement by the Kota Kinabalu Warisan Division information chief, Samuel Wong and Yong Tain Vui, they stressed that despite various flood mitigation projects being announced state wide, the residents and businesses in Kolombong have not witnessed any meaningful improvement.
“In fact, the situation has worsened, with floods occurring even after short periods of rainfall, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of the current measures,” they said.
Kolombong is a critical economic hub for Sabah, housing a significant number of light industries and being in close proximity to the city.
The flood problem not only disrupts the daily lives of residents but also poses a direct threat to the state’s economy, given the area’s economic importance.
One pressing issue is the condition of the main drainage system connecting Penampang to Kingfisher, visible across Jalan Mangga.
Despite the absence of rainfall, residents frequently report that the drainage system is constantly clogged, leading to high water levels that result in flooding.
Furthermore, many residents have raised concerns about drains in residential areas that remain clogged, which exacerbate the risk of flash floods.
Additionally, the roads leading to residential areas are often inundated with water after even brief periods of rainfall, creating further inconvenience for the community.
Despite the GRS-led government having been in power in Sabah for more than four years, there has been no concrete solution or significant positive outcomes regarding the ongoing flood issues across the state.
The persistent challenges faced by residents and communities demonstrate a lack of effective action from the government to address this critical problem.
The people of Sabah deserve to see tangible improvement and long-term solutions to the flooding problems that continue to disrupt their lives and livelihoods.
In light of these ongoing challenges, Warisan urges the government to develop and implement a more transparent, comprehensive, and sustainable plan to resolve the flood issues in Kolombong.
The people of Kolombong, as well as the broader Sabah community, deserve immediate action to ensure their safety and the continued prosperity of this vital economic zone.
“We look forward to the government’s swift response and a clear strategy to address the root causes of flooding in Kolombong,” they added.
