SIBU: The Sarawak government through Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will continue to be committed in continuing various utilities projects throughout the state with an additional allocation of RM21 billion for the current period.
That was said by Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom in his ministry’s presentation titled ‘Strategic Sharing of Utilities Project for Electricity Supply and Rural Water Supply’ at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Sibu mini convention held at the Kingwood Hotel here today.
He said it is clear that rural areas still lack stable water supply, which is estimated at more than 65.5 percent.
“Meanwhile, for urban areas, 99 percent have water supply and for the Sibu zone itself, only 77 percent.
“Looking at the percentage, our ministry is planning and is confident that the percentage will change in the coming period,” he said.
He added that in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), there are 54 projects worth about RM4.34 billion which have been proposed for Sibu zone.
“As of September 23 this year, through five major implementing bodies, more than 234 utility projects for the Sibu zone have been allocated amounting to RM1.38 billion.
“As for the water grid in Sibu, nine grids that have been developed so far,” he said.
In the meantime, he said there are some projects implemented that are being delayed because of Covid-19 pandemic, which will be brought forward to 2021.
“Through the nine water grids available in Sarawak, including the Salim Water Treatment Plant in Mukah, it will be connected to Selangau and other plants.
“In the future, after this treatment plant is completed, there will be no more problems because all these plants depend on each other,” he said.
For electricity supply from 2009 to 2019, the Sarawak government has allocated RM2.7 million for electricity development, especially in areas that do not have access to electricity.
“Basic facilities are a necessity and need to be maintained, so support for GPS needs to be continued.”
