SECOND PHASE OF KAMPUNG IBOI HOUSING PROJECT TO BE COMPLETED BY MARCH NEXT YEAR - KEDAH MB

BALING, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- The second phase of the housing project  to accommodate 17 families from Kampung Iboi, whose homes are in the yellow zone, is expected to be fully completed by March next year.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, said the project, which began last March in Kampung Bok Bak, is currently 26 per cent complete.

"Previously, 12 families whose homes were destroyed by the debris floods in Kampung Iboi were relocated to Kampung Sadek. The remaining 17 families will move to Kampung Bok Bak upon the project's completion," he told reporters during a site visit here today.

The housing project is being built with a budget of RM2.9 million, with an additional RM600,000 allocated for acquiring 12 hectares of land.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Sanusi said the state government is taking early precautions to address potential disaster risks across the state, particularly in Kampung Iboi, due to climate change during the monsoon transition.

He  said since the monsoon transition began on Sept 24, heavy rainfall has increased water flow in Sungai Iboi, with levels nearing the Bailey Bridge.

“Efforts are being made to clear debris along a five-kilometre stretch of the river to prevent damage to the banks and bridge structure,” he added.

On the Sabo Dam project, aimed at reducing debris flow flood risks, he said it is in the design phase, with construction expected to begin next year.

In addition, a tender for the permanent bridge to replace the Bailey Bridge will open in January.

The debris floods in Kampung Iboi on July 4, 2022, claimed three lives, including an elderly man, his son, and pregnant daughter-in-law.

The disaster destroyed 12 houses and residents of 17 other homes in the yellow zone were evacuated due to flood related hazards.

-- BERNAMA