Using dams to meet demand for water

MIRI: The Ministry of Utilities is studying the possibility of using dams as a source of raw water for treatment plants in southern, central and northern regions of the state to meet the demand for treated water.

Its minister Dato Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said under the state’s water grid plan, raw water for the southern zone (Kuching) will be sourced from Bengoh dam while Batang Ai dam will be the source for the central zone (Sarikei and Tanjung Manis) and the northern zone comprising Limbang, Miri and Bintulu will obtain its raw water from Bakun and Murum dams.

“We are looking at dams, all if possible, as main sources of raw water supply because our present sources are from the rivers which are no longer sustainable as some are polluted due to plantation activities surrounding the areas.

“This is the future and master plan for the Sarawak water supply grid that will be connected throughout the state for the people’s usage,” he told members of the press after being briefed by the new chief executive officer of Laku Management Sdn Bhd, Wong Tiong Kai, and its new board of directors.

Present were Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Assistant Minister of Water Supply Liwan Lagang.

He said the experts would come in to do the study as the dams are secured water sources which are clean and gazetted.

However, he said it would not be possible to supply areas beyond the water grid with treated water because of their location and distance.

“Until we find a real solution, it is all about planning and by 10 years down the road the supply of clean water will be sufficient throughout the water grid areas in Sarawak,” he said further.

The minister said the study would start at Batang Ai dam before moving to other dams in the state.

Answering a question posed by a reporter on the proposal to use Baram river as a source of raw water supply for Laku, he said the plan was still being considered.

He assured that tap water from the Liku river is safe as it has been treated.