The covered drain nearing completion. Workmen in the background are putting finishing touches along the border of the footpath

Since 1993, the government has commissioned drainage master plan studies for Kuching, Sibu and Miri. These studies comprehensively examined the adequacy of the existing drainage systems and developed short to long-term drainage improvement measures to meet the current standards and the future needs.

The drainage master plan also provides various government departments with the necessary details and tools to plan and regulate future urban development to minimise the occurrence of flash flooding.

The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has made a concerted effort to relieve the flooding problem in the State. Many flood mitigation programs were initiated. These programs include a series of major river improvement projects that provide the primary drainage network to alleviate the flooding problems.

The Urban Drainage Project program involves local drainage improvement to the trunk drainage system.

Under the Eighth Malaysia plan, RM82.198 million has been allocated for urban drainage improvement projects to mitigate the flash flooding problem.

The Sibu Town Drainage Improvement Works commenced on 10 March 2003 and is currently in steady progress. The project, costing RM16.25 million, is expected to be completed in the latter half of 2005. Under this project, demolition work of existing drains have to be carried out. Towards the town along
Brooke Drive, the existing reinforced concrete (RC) drains are in various state of disrepair and in some areas some structures have already collapsed.

Piling works with RC square piles and steel sheet piles have been carried out and construction works consists of RC drains, drain outlets, culverts, crossovers, and drain junction.

The final touches include architectural finishing and soft landscaping.

A section of the drain which is still to be constructed