Minister: JBALB efficient in solving critical clean water supply woes
BINTULU: The state government, through its Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), has been excellent in shouldering the responsibility of solving the critical clean water supply woes in Sarawak, said Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
In particular, he added, the implementation of the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and Water Grid System had benefited the southern, central and northern parts of the state.
“However, Limbang and Lawas divisions have their own treated water supply systems,” he said after attending a briefing by Laku Sdn Bhd and JBALB at the Laku office here yesterday.
The Kemena assemblyman said for Bintulu Division, the Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP) – a major industrial hub in Sarawak – really needed an efficient clean water supply system to cater to the needs in the area.
According to him, so far JBALB has completed 21 out of the 26 treated water supply projects in this division, involving a cost of RM1 billion.
However, he said due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there had been delays in the implementation of the clean water supply projects in Sarawak.
“It is one of the challenges faced by my ministry, including JBALB and related agencies, to resolve the issue of clean water supply in the state,” he said.
Dr Rundi thus hoped that the people would understand the situation and be patient if the water supply projects in their area had not been completed within the stipulated period.
At the same time, he said the master plan would include a long-term plan to address the issue of clean water supply.
In the event of water disruption in an area, he said temporary water channels would be used to solve the problem.
He added the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply System (Sawas) project would continue on to ensure that residents living in remote areas could enjoy clean water supply.
After the briefing, Dr Rundi and his entourage visited the Nyabau water treatment plant at Jalan Bukit Nyabau.
Ministry of Utilities secretary Dato Alice Jawan, JBALB Sarawak director Chang Kuet Shian and Laku Management Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Daneil Punang were among those present.