BALING: Residents of Kampung Iboi, the epicentre of a massive flood two years ago this month that claimed three lives, are concerned that the construction of dams that could prevent a repeat of the tragedy is not moving fast enough.
When complete, the sabo dams will slow water flow from Gunung Inas to Sungai Kupang.
However, residents say they have not seen any progress at the proposed site of the dams and checks by the New Straits Times confirmed the villagers' concerns.
Kampung Iboi Village Development and Security Committee chairman Izwan Azmi said with the rainy season approaching, villagers were worried for their safety and well- being.
"It has been two years since there were talks about the construction of the sabo dams, but there's no development yet on the proposed site.
"We must prevent another major flood," he said, adding that while floods were a natural disaster, preventive measures could be implemented.
Izwan called on Putrajaya and the Kedah government to work together to expedite the construction of the dams.
"The authorities must take our concerns seriously. We fear that the river will overflow with even a little rain, which brings back the trauma."
Izwan said residents were also worried about three large reservoirs on a durian farm n Gunung Inas and what would happen if the reservoirs overflowed.
Kedah Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply, and Resources and Environmental Committee chairman Mohamad Yusoff @ Munir Zakaria said the sabo dams would be completed by Dec 10, 2026.
The construction of the dams was announced in August 2022 by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Yusoff said the tender evaluation by the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) for the project was completed on June 11 and that work on the site would begin early next year.
"The project involves two dams along Sungai Kupang," he said, adding that the project was expected to cost RM22.8 million.
He said funds for a new bridge connecting Kampung Iboi and Kampung Masjid Iboi had been approved by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry and that the project in the design phase.
The bridge will replace the temporary Bailey bridge installed after the floods.