Ministry, JBALB take immediate actions to help solve water shortage issue in Tatau
BINTULU: The Ministry of Utilities and Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) have acknowledged the water shortage woes in Tatau as reported in The Borneo Post on April 11.
According to the report headlined ‘Longhouse Residents in Tatau Cry Out For Water’, several longhouses in Separai and Selitut area within Tatau District have been experiencing water shortage for the past three months.
In their response to the news report, the ministry and JBALB in a press statement said the water shortage was due to the low intake of raw water supply at Tatau water treatment plant.
“Due to the current heatwave which hits the state, the raw water level at the plant reservoirs is at a critical stage.
“Users are reminded to be mindful when using water as well as limit water usage during the heatwave.”
The statement further said that the Sarawak government through JBALB is taking various initiatives to ensure that the locals in Tatau will receive sufficient water supply.
“Our immediate action calls for the replacement of the old water pump at the water treatment plant with a new one yesterday.
“In addition, upgrading works on the plant as well as excavation works of the reservoirs have also been done to ensure sufficient intake of raw water,” it added.
It also stated that the production capacity of the plant has been increased from the previous four million litres per day to six million litres.
“The work has been completed and it is currently in the ‘ testing and commissioning’ stage.”
As a long-term measure, another water treatment plant capable of supplying 20 million litres per day is currently in the planning stage and will be constructed soon.
“This is to ensure sufficient water supply to areas such as Sangan, Tatau and along the Tatau- Sibu stretch.
“Besides that, a second longterm project that involves the supply of treated water from Bintulu Airport pump station to the longhouses as well as the areas situated before the Tatau water treatment plant is currently underway.
“This is to ensure that the load will be reduced at the existing water treatment plant and the project is expected to be completed within two years.”
The ministry and JBALB also reassured that all related projects that have been planned will be closely monitored so that they are implemented smoothly within the timeframe.
JBALB Bintulu can be contacted at 086 344544 or 0168618527 for any requests for water delivery or to lodge any complaints related to water shortages in the area.