RM1.9 bln allocated to achieve NRW target of 31 pct

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has approved a RM1.9- billion allocation for the implementation of nonrevenue water (NRW) reduction programmes to assist operators in achieving the nationwide NRW target of 31 per cent by 2020.

Deputy Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources, Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji said the programmes were divided into two categories, whereby the first category was for states with NRW exceeding 40 per cent and the second for states with NRW of less than 40 per cent.

“The federal government will assist water operators in Kelantan, Kedah, Pahang, Perlis, Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan under the first category, through a RM535.5 million grant.

“As for those under the second category namely Melaka, Penang, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Terengganu and Selangor, they will be funded through an allocation of RM1.37 billion,” he said when winding up debate on the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) for his ministry in the Dewan Negara yesterday.

He said for states in the second category, the government would give 50 per cent annual allocation for the NRW reduction programme if the target was reached.

Financing would be increased to 75 per cent if the operators double the NRW reduction target and the achievement has been verified by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN).

He added that overall cost for the country to achieve the NRW target of 31 per cent was RM3.1 billion and the proposed NRW target of 20 per cent by 2020 would cost more than that amount.

“The NRW reduction target of 31 per cent in 2020 is more realistic after taking into account the current NRW levels, government finances and water operators’ capability in implementing the NRW reduction projects and programmes in the respective states,” he said.

In the Mid-Term Review of the 11th Malaysia Plan, the government has set the NRW level at 31 per cent by year 2020. — Bernama