The RM1.45 million project is expected to run until June 2027. Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng handed the site to contractor Liscorp Services on Oct 20, according to DayakDaily’s Oct 21 report.

About 200 metres of additional reinforced-concrete box drains, each 1.2 metres wide and 1.2 metres deep, are planned to improve stormwater flow through the existing network. The work also covers affected utility services and reinstatement of roads and footpaths.

For people visiting or operating shops in the area, the immediate issue is access during construction. MBKS warned of possible traffic diversions, access restrictions, noise and dust, and said the public would be informed about work and necessary traffic arrangements. These are potential disruptions over the construction period, not a blanket road-closure announcement.

The council also cautioned that better drains will not eliminate flooding altogether. Rainfall intensity, tides, river levels and upstream discharge can still affect conditions. June 2027 is the expected construction endpoint; it is not a promise that Padungan will become flood-free.