SIBU, May 5 2026: Obsolete and ageing pipes have been identified as the causes of constant water supply disruptions in Sibu and Sibu Jaya areas, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Julaihi Narawi.
He said the situation is not due to current administrative failures but rather to the existing water supply system, which is obsolete and no longer capable of meeting current demands.
He noted that although the areas are often categorized as urban, in reality, they still possess rural infrastructure characteristics, including the use of old pipes, many of which are over 40 years old.
“The state government currently inherits these constraints but remains committed to taking responsibility by channeling large allocations to build new plants and upgrade existing facilities,” he said.
He said this during a dialogue session with community leaders and village chiefs and local residents at the Salim Water Treatment Plant here today.
Julaihi urged residents to understand the true challenges in addressing water supply issues, particularly in the Sibu Jaya area, which frequently faces disruptions.
He explained that solving water supply problems involves a complex process, encompassing the search for water sources, construction of treatment plants, installation of pipe distribution systems, and the construction of booster stations.
He added that every completed plant must undergo a testing and commissioning phase to ensure pressure and supply stability before being distributed to consumers.
He explained the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has approved a total allocation of RM7 billion for water supply projects across the state.
Of that amount, RM5.9 billion is allocated for the construction of water treatment plants and upgrading the grid system, while another RM1.1 billion is for the replacement of 2,743 kilometres of pipes.
Also present were Bukit Assek Assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek, Political Secretary to the Premier Joshua Ting Fu Ying, Sibu Division Resident Abang Mohammad Porkan Abang Budiman, Sibu District Officer Tsong Chow Choon, Director of the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Sarawak Ahmad Salihin Che Said, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Water Malseni Jamal and Temenggong Vincent Lau Lee Ming.
No comments:
Post a Comment