All RM2.8 bln to be used for 1st phase of water supply grid this year – CM
KUCHING: The Sarawak government will fully utilise its RM2.8 billion allocation to implement the first phase of the state’s water supply grid this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the first phase will include raw water resources projects, treatment plants, distribution system, upgrading works, change of pipes, as well as Sarawak Alternative Water
Supply modernisation and water supply initiatives.
“The implementation of these projects is now well underway and some are already completed. Among them are the installation of pipes across Samarahan Bridge, so in two or three months, all villages in Asajaya district will have water supply,” he said at the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Appreciation Night, here on Wednesday.
Also present were Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, Assistant Minister of
Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Assistant Minister of Utilities (Rural Electricity) Datuk Liwan Lagang and JBALB director Chang Kuet Shian.
Abang Johari also said the water supply grid will continue to be developed along the state’s coastlines, adding the construction of bridges across major rivers will facilitate the construction and installation of the grid.
“We will construct Batang Lassa bridge and water can be supplied to Daro...we will also build the Paloh bridge where water can then be supplied to Tanjung Manis.”
He explained that the previous water supply grid which supplied treated water to coastal areas was installed at the base of the river which was naturally muddy.
As a result, he said it became difficult to detect if there was a leak or problem which caused the water supply to be affected.
In view of this, Abang Johari said through the new method of constructing the water supply grid, water supply problems throughout rural areas of the state including the interior could be solved.
He stressed that water supply is crucial because in addition to being a form of basic amenity to the people, it is also needed to attract investors.
“If there is no water, how are we going to attract investors...this also applies to the agriculture industry.
“That is why we must ensure that we provide water and electric supply,” he said.
During the event, Abang Johari also presented Excellent Achievement Awards (APC) to more than 100 recipients from JBALB.