Kuching South mayor reminds owners to seek approval for structures over drains after Jalan Mendu collapse

KUCHING, Sept 14 — Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has reminded property owners to obtain approval for structures built over public drains after an unauthorised structure at Jalan Mendu collapsed under the weight of a seven-tonne lorry.

Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, who inspected the site, said the incident highlighted the safety risks associated with structures constructed over public drainage systems without proper approval.

“All alterations to the existing structures and buildings under the local authorities’ jurisdictions must obtain official approval prior to construction works,” he said.

“Any persons who wished to erect a structure over a sewer or pipeline must first obtain a written consent from the local council.”

Wee said the requirement is stipulated under Section 136 of the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996, which also empowers the council to alter or demolish structures built without approval.

He added that the cost of such work could be borne by the responsible parties.

The reminder followed an incident involving a seven-tonne lorry which fell into a drain along Jalan Mendu after the structure covering it collapsed.

Wee said an inspection found that the structure, which served as an access point to the premises, had been built over an existing drain without prior authorization.

He said the structure was neither built nor approved by MKBS.

The incident occurred at about 10am on Friday when the lorry attempted to park in front of a shop at Jalan Mendu.

The structure covering the drain gave way under the vehicle, causing the lorry to fall into the drain. The driver was not injured.

A sign indicating a four-tonne weight limit was displayed at the junction leading to the site.

Wee said structures built over public drains must be properly designed and constructed to ensure they can safely withstand the load placed on them.

“This is not only to avoid damage to the drainage system but also to support the necessary loads,” he said.

He urged property owners, business operators and residents within the MBKS jurisdiction to obtain approval before constructing, extending or altering any structures over drains or other local council’s infrastructure.

Those uncertain about the safety or approval status of existing structures on their properties should consult MBKS, he added.

“The mere fact that a structure has existed for years does not automatically imply that it is safe or officially approved,” Wee said.

He said MBKS would continue monitoring structures affecting public drainage systems and public areas to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

Wee stressed that protecting lives and ensuring public safety remained the council’s priority, including ensuring that structures involving public infrastructure were safe and properly approved.

“Public safety is a shared responsibility. Property owners must fulfil their obligations by complying with the laws and ensuring that any structures built within or adjacent to their properties do not pose a danger to others,” he said. — The Borneo Post