Full water supply coverage by 2030
Minister: Target reachable for S’wak, to also include upgrading, replacement of pipes along distribution system
There are still 2,742km of old and dilapidated pipes along the water supply distribution system throughout Sarawak. This is one of the main reasons for the high level of nonrevenue water (NRW) at 43 per cent.
— Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication
TANJUNG MANIS: The state government, through its Ministry for Utility and Telecommunication, aims to realise the target of full water supply coverage in Sarawak by 2030.
According to the minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, the present supply coverage is at 85.4 per cent overall, while for rural coverage, it stands at 70.5 per cent.
“In line with the Post-Covid19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, my ministry will continue to intensify efforts to achieve the target of full water supply coverage in Sarawak by 2030.
“Apart from implementing new water supply projects, my ministry will also focus on upgrading and replacing the old and dilapidated pipes.
“There are still 2,742km of old and dilapidated pipes along the water supply distribution system throughout Sarawak.
“This is one of the main reasons for the high level of non-revenue water (NRW) at 43 per cent,” he said at the official launch of the Tanjung Manis water supply project here yesterday.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the event, where State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communications Unit) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, were present.
Adding on, Julaihi said to address this problem, his ministry had proposed for the implementation of the old water pipeline upgrading and replacement programme.
“The Sarawak government has approved an allocation of RM1.085 billion through alternative funding, which will be implemented in phases throughout Sarawak starting this year.”
For Mukah Division, the state minister said the water supply coverage was at 83.6 per cent, encompassing five districts: Mukah, Dalat, Matu, Daro and Tanjung Manis; as well as three sub-districts, namely Balingian, Oya and Igan.
“To address the water supply problems and meet the needs of the population longterm water supply in Mukah Division, a total of RM1.84 billion has been approved for the implementation of 45 projects in Mukah Division, of which 26 projects have been completed and commissioned, four projects on-going, and 15 more are in the planning stage,” he added.
On the Tanjung Manis water supply project, Julaihi said the treatment plant had already been commissioned on Oct 2 last year.
He said the construction of the RM974.1 million water supply project commenced on Nov 11, 2013, and reached completion at the end of 2016.
“However, due to some technical problems and issues concerning contract management, this project was delayed – it was finally completed last September.”
According to Julaihi, the Tanjung Manis water supply system is capable of supplying up to 50 million litres per day (mld) of raw water from Sibu to Tanjung Manis.
“A total of 30mld of raw water will be treated at the Tanjung Manis water treatment plant and then, supplied to residents in the surrounding area, while the remaining 20mld of raw water is meant to meet the needs of the industrial area in Tanjung Manis,” he added.
Based on current demand, at present the Tanjung Manis water supply system supplies an average 8mld to 13mld of treated water to the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) for distribution to consumers.
The areas that have benefited from this project include Pekan Tanjung Manis, Kampung Belawai, Kampung Jerijeh, Kampung Rajang, Kampung Serdeng, Kampung Sedau and Kampung Bekakong.
“In addition, the water supply system in Pulau Bruit will also be improved upon the completion of the proposed ‘Water Supply to Pulau Bruit, Mukah Division’ project, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of this year,” said Julaihi.
Components of the project, he added, would include the construction of high-level tanks at Semop, Saai, Penibong and Penipah, the construction of Serdeng and Saai boosters, and the installation of new pipes at Serdeng, Semop and Saai areas, and up to Penibong and Penipah.