KOTA KINABALU: Floods in Penampang were not caused by the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway, said State Public Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
He added that historical records indicated significant flooding incidents occurred as early as 2009, before construction began on the highway.
"Based on site supervision assessments, major flooding incidents primarily occurred due to overflow at the sole outlets in Kg Ketiau, Kg Duvanson, Jalan Penampang-Tambunan, Kg Kolopis, and Kg Kitobu, causing backflow into existing drains.
"Furthermore, earthwork by landowners outside the Pan Borneo project boundaries have disrupted water outflow. These earthworks lacked proper drainage systems.
"Sabah JKR recommends that relevant authorities take action to address these issues to prevent future flooding, noting that the Pan Borneo team operates strictly within the project's boundaries," Shahelmey said in a statement.
Shahelmey, who also serves as State Deputy Chief Minister, was responding to Datuk Darell Leiking (Moyog-Warisan)'s assertion yesterday that blamed the Pan Borneo Highway contractors for the Penampang flooding.
Shahelmey added that Sabah JKR consistently ensured all precautionary measures and mitigation efforts were in place to prevent flooding incidents that could affect the Pan Borneo Project's main alignments.
"Before construction began, the planning and design of these alignments were thoroughly reviewed and approved by relevant government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Department for the Environmental Impact Assessment approval, and flood simulations presented to the Sabah Irrigation and Drainage Department.
"During construction, the contractors also conducted routine maintenance to ensure temporary and new drains are clear of debris and vegetation that could obstruct water flow.
"The Pan Borneo Sabah team has also taken initiatives to improve the original drainage designs within the project's work boundaries.
"This includes enhancements to the drainage system in the Kolopis and Kitobu areas, providing additional culverts, and upgrading the Sg Kitobu watercourse."