Kuala lumpur: The Sabah Government has been urged to expedite the construction of concrete retaining walls along critical sections of Sungai Padang in Papar following worsening riverbank erosion that is threatening nearby homes, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly was told today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Pengiran Saifuddin Pengiran Tahir (GRS-Pantai Manis) emphasized that the erosion has escalated from a long-term issue to an emergency needing immediate attention to avert a potential tragedy. He highlighted the increasing alarm among residents regarding the severe erosion, with sections of the embankment collapsing at a rapid rate.

Pengiran Saifuddin urged the government to allocate a portion of the additional funds for the Works Ministry or the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) towards the swift construction of concrete retaining walls in the critical areas to prevent any possible tragedies and fatalities. He stressed that the collapsing riverbank poses a significant threat to the residential areas, especially during the monsoon season, as villagers fear for the safety of their homes.

He pointed out that the stability of the riverbank is essential for ensuring a consistent supply of treated water to Pantai Manis and Papar. These areas frequently face disruptions caused by high river turbidity and saltwater intrusion at the Limbahau Water Treatment Plant. Furthermore, ongoing upgrades to the Kogopon 2 Water Treatment Plant and the construction of a new intake for the Limbahau Water Treatment Plant would not be fully effective unless the riverbank's stability and the cleanliness of upstream water sources are adequately maintained.