Residents of the housing explaining to Pritchard (2nd from right) the flooding occurrences
KOTA KINABALU : – Parti Warisan Penampang Division has called on the Penampang Municipal Council (PMC) to take immediate action to resolve the recurring flood issues at Taman Oriental, Penampang, allegedly caused by an unmaintained drainage system.
Pritchard Gumbaris, Political Secretary to Warisan Deputy President Darell Leiking, revealed that residents of the housing area have submitted numerous complaints to the PMC but claim no substantial action has been taken to address the issue.
“On January 14, I visited Taman Oriental with Warisan Penampang Women Chief Junny Simol to assess the situation. We noticed debris, soil, and a collapsed drainage wall in the monsoon drain, all of which obstruct the smooth flow of water,” Pritchard said in a statement today.
He highlighted the plight of residents such as Gary Lim, who experienced severe flooding on January 13, with water entering his house. Just a week later, on January 21, his home was flooded again.
“Gary and other affected residents were fortunate to avoid contracting water-borne diseases from the filthy, overflowing drains. But if they had fallen ill and been hospitalized, who would be responsible for their suffering?” Pritchard questioned.
He urged PMC and its president to empathize with the residents’ struggles and take swift action to resolve the issue. “It is unfair to expect residents to pay assessment rates on time when they are receiving subpar services,” he added.
Criticism of GRS and DAP Leadership
Pritchard did not hold back in criticizing district leaders from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP), who serve as Unit Pemimpin Pembangunan Masyarakat (UPPMs), PMC councillors, and members of the Penampang District Action Committee. He accused them of failing to manage the district effectively.
“Repeated flooding is causing visible and invisible damage to buildings worth tens of thousands of ringgit, including furniture and electrical appliances. This could have been avoided if the drainage systems in Taman Oriental and other housing areas in Kapayan were maintained properly,” he said.
He further questioned the commitment of GRS and DAP leaders, stating that some residents are beginning to doubt their competence. “How can GRS and DAP leaders justify their eagerness to remain in power or contest in the state election when they can’t even manage basic constituency issues like drainage maintenance?”
Pritchard also referenced the Penampang Sports Complex, which has been in a state of disrepair for two years, as another example of neglect by GRS and DAP leaders.
“If they cannot handle a simple task like scheduled drainage maintenance, how can they address more complex issues such as potholes and water supply in Kapayan?” he concluded.
Residents of Taman Oriental continue to hope for swift intervention as they endure the repercussions of frequent flooding.
