Prolonged drought leaves villagers running out of water

SIBU: The prolonged dry weather has caused the gravity feed at 18- door Rh Watson in Pelugau, Selangau to dry up, causing 153 residents to run short of drinking water.

Selangau district officer Christopher Ranggau said a request for water had been forwarded to Sibu Welfare Department on Wednesday.

“The longhouse folk have been facing drinking water problem since two days ago and they informed us yesterday ( Wednesday).

“We immediately forwarded their request for drinking water to Sibu Welfare Department,” he said.

The river in front of the longhouse is also facing low water level, Christopher noted.

He said other longhouses relying on gravity feed may face similar problem if the dry weather persisted.

Meanwhile, acting Sibu Division Welfare officer Soon Kong Tiong confirmed receiving a request for drinking water from Selangau District Office on Wednesday.

“Welfare Department is looking into the matter and we are making arrangements with Public Works Department (JKR) to send clean water using tankers to the longhouse ( Rh Watson). This is due to the dry and hot weather,” Soon said.

Sarawak Welfare Department director Abang Shamshudin Abang Seruji said yesterday the department had a contingency plan to face the dry weather.

“For areas not served with piped water, JKM ( Welfare Department) will supply bottled water (for drinking and cooking) to longhouses or villages facing serious drought.

Meanwhile, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira said Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Sibu division would be asked to despatch water tankers to the affected longhouses.