KeTTHA eyes 99 per cent water supply coverage nationwide by 2020

KUALA LUMPUR: The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (KeTTHA) is optimistic of expanding its water supply coverage to 99 per cent throughout the country by 2020 from 96.4 per cent currently.

Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Dr Tan Yew Chong said the ministry also aimed to increase connected sewerage services to 85 per cent from 78.7 per cent at present and cut down non-revenue water to 31 per cent from 34.6 per cent.

“Over RM1.12 billion has been allocated to develop water and wastewater projects in the fiveyear target set under the 11th Malaysia Plan, which shows the government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure to support economic expansion,” he told reporters at the official opening of Trenchless Asia 2018 yesterday. He said one of the ways of achieving the targets was by adopting trenchless technology, citing the ongoing Regional Sewerage Conveyance System project in Ipoh, Perak as an example.

The project, costing RM2.12 billion overall and expected for completion in 2022, would incorporate 80 per cent trenchless technology using the long drive and curve jacking method, which could minimise the traffic obstruction by pit construction such as receiving pit, minimise damages to existing road furniture and eventually reduce the complaints by the public.

“We are encouraging all industry players in the country to leverage the Trenchless Asia 2018 exhibition and conference and capitalise on the opportunity to extend the technology application as it is sustainable, delivers green technology, reduce pollution and could save up to 50 per cent of construction time,” said Tan.