SIBU: The official opening of the Rural Water Supply Department (RWSD) Office here yesterday by Minister of Public Utilities, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rudi Utom marked a significant milestone for the department.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Public Utilities, Dato Ir Alice Jawan Empaling said the event reflected the teamwork and cooperation existing among water agencies in the state.
She added that the agencies would continue to observe World Water Day by holding activities like an open day, visiting and seeing how raw water is treated, and several activities this month and in April for the public.
“World Water Day is observed throughout the world on 22 March annually which gives everyone an opportunity to learn about water facts and water related issues and experiences throughout the world. Besides, it gives us a forum, a platform for us to be inspired to share our knowledge and it gives each of us the opportunity to take actions to make a difference on preserving and giving due recognition to the importance of water,” she said.
According to Alice, water is not only vital for life but is also used in many activities ranging from irrigation in agriculture, aquaculture, industrial application and
activities, commercial activities, hydro power for electricity and of course, potable water supply for human needs.
“It is one of the basic building blocks in building the economy of a nation,” she added.
“As the world’s population grows, we shall feel the impact on the importance of water resource more severely as the volume of water we have now and the volume of water our ancestors had centuries ago is the same.
“Water quality of our raw water resources need to be protected. We, in the water industry must define our roles in the waste water to continually ensure that our raw water resource is protected for generations.
“Water is so important that it is the responsibility of everyone, not only the government and the water agencies. Everyone must play our part to conserve and preserve our water resource,” she said, adding that the Ministry of Public Utilities under the dynamic leadership of its minister is looking at new innovative and creative ideas to tackle the challenges of preserving and conserving water resources.
Hence, Alice called on water industries/authorities to update or upgrade and use efficient systems, human resource development, effective Non Revenue Water (NRW) management and efficient customer service deliveries and information sharing.
She added that all these are possible with the support and commitment of the human resources under the dynamic leadership of Minister of Public Utilities, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi.
