4 September 2006, KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu City Hall (City Hal) had once again instructed the 1 Borneo developer along Sulaman Highway to open up a proper drainage system through the site to prevent flooding during downpour.

Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim said City Hall had in June this year, instructed the developer to provide proper temporary drain channel to discharge water from the construction site and Sulaman Highway to the swamp or sea.

However, the temporary relief channel constructed by the developer has been ineffective causing water stagnating along Sulaman Highway next to 1 Borneo and Alam Mesra during heavy downpour.

Iliyas said his Engineering Director, Ir. Lee Tet Fon and Public Works Department (PWD) Engineer, Kenny Tseu and consultants from the two developments sites, have conducted a joint site inspection of the area recently to identify the causes of the stagnant water along the Sulaman Highway next to the 1 Borneo and Alam Mesra.

“Their findings were that the natural stream flowing towards the sea through 1 Borneo site was not flowing freely. The stream has been replaced by a temporary earth drain, which has been blocked by construction materials and activities.

“This obstruction caused the water to back up until the twin box culvert top and portion of the road was submerged under at least half a meter deep following heavy rain recently,” he explained.

Iliyas was responding to the call by Karambunai Assemblywoman Jainab Ahmad on Saturday for City Hall to take action against the developer for alleged failure of plug the problem of water stagnating along the Sulaman Highway each time it rains.

The developer has been instructed again to open up a proper relief drain through the site and ensure construction materials do not obstruct the flow.

He also said the 1 Borneo development drainage plan has not been approved by City Hall due to lack of details and information.