Dawos: RM77 mln set aside for state’s non-revenue water programme this year
KUCHING: An allocation of RM77 million has been approved for Sarawak to implement its nonrevenue water (NRW) programme this year.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos said the fund would be used to resolve various NRW issues, including replacement of old pipes and water meters across the state.
According to him, Sarawak is among the six states to receive funding from his ministry for their respective NRW programmes this year.
The other five are Sabah, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah and Kelantan.
“Sarawak is getting RM77 million and I hope the contractor that has been awarded with the project to reduce NRW in the three regions of Sarawak – North, Central and South – could run the project as soon as possible,” he spoke at a luncheon at Kampung Semadang here on Sunday.
Dawos, who is Puncak Borneo MP, said among the causes of NRW are leakage from worn- out pipes and also water theft.
NRW is the amount of treated water that is put into a supply system but does not bring in revenue to the water supply company.
Adding on, Dawos said the state government could also apply for loans from his ministry to improve water treatment and supply system.
He said should the state government want to improve the water treatment and supply systems from his ministry, his office would take the loan from the Ministry of Finance and channel it to the state government to implement the projects.
“On my part, I will do my level best to get allocations as well as loans for Sarawak to implement its water supply and treatment projects because water is so important to the people,” he said.
Dawos said his ministry had approved loans amounting to RM59 million for Kuching Water Board, RM31 million for Sibu Water Board and RM125 million for Laku Managament Sdn Bhd ( Miri) for them to improve their water supply systems this year.
At the luncheon, Dawos also handed over a government grant worth RM50,000 to Kampung Semadang’s security and development committee (JKKK).
The event was also attended by Dawos’ special officer Datuk Detta Samen; Penghulu for Mambong, John Jintor; and Kampung Semadang headman Samson Manggang.