New ‘life’ for water pipes
Over 2,700km of ageing, damaged pipes in S’wak to be replaced over next 5 years
The replacement of ageing or damaged water pipes in Sarawak, spanning 2,740 kilometres, is slated to be carried out over the next five years with a projected budget of RM1.08 billion, said Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
Of that amount, the Minister for Utility and Telecommunication said RM247 million would be used to replace pipes around Kuching city centre, Samarahan and other parts of the state, scheduled to start sometime this year.
“We will identify critical areas where we need to replace old and damaged pipes to ensure water supply is distributed evenly,” he told reporters a er visiting the Plant 2 upgrading works at the Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant here yesterday.
He said the budget to replace these pipes had been approved by the Sarawak government, to control and reduce non-revenue water to 25 per cent while ensuring that water pressure remain consistent without any loss.
He also said the coverage of treated water in Sarawak is currently at 85 per cent, and in rural areas, it is at an average of 70 per cent.
On Plant 2 at the Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant, Julaihi said a er its upgrade, expected to be fully completed this July, the plant will be able to produce a total of 884 MLD from the current 780 MLD.
The minister also touched on the state’s water grid system which is currently being carried out in phases, such as the Tanjung Manis Water Treatment Plant launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on March 17.
He said the Tanjung Manis plant is capable of supplying 30 MLD although the current demand is only 13 MLD.
“Pipelines from Tanjung Manis will be connected to users by Sibu Water Board to form a grid. Similarly, in other areas such as Serian, we have the Slabi Water Treatment Plant and Phase 2 of the Serian Water Supply Project, which will also connect to form a grid,” he explained.
All these projects, Julaihi added, are part of ongoing efforts by the state government to achieve full water supply coverage by 2030.
“Many projects have been approved by the Sarawak government, which are either underway or in progress, and all are funded by the Sarawak government,” he said.
We will identify critical areas where we need to replace old and damaged pipes to ensure water supply is distributed evenly.
Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi