‘ These allocations are a clear testimony of the GPS government’s commitment to uplift the socio-economic well-being of the rural populace. ‘
KUCHING: The state is confident every Sarawak family will enjoy water and electricity from the mains by 2025.
Public Utilities Minister Datuk Stephen Rundi said his ministry was working with all the relevant agencies to ensure that the proposed projects would be implemented within the next two years.
Dr Rundi said this followed the announcement by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Joharti Tun Open on the funding for the State Water Supply Grid – Stressed Areas, and the Sarawak Rural Electrification Masterplan.
Dr Rundi thanked the chief minister for a rural-centric budget by allocating a sum of RM5.17bil for the development of utility services in the rural areas, with RM2.8bil for water supply and RM2. 37bilfor electricity.
“These allocations are a clear testimony of the GPS government’s commitment to uplift the socio-economic well-being of the rural populace,” he said.
The August House was told Sarawak Water Supply Grid Programme for Stressed Areas comprises 251 projects at various locations, with a total scheme value of RM3.92bil and an estimated 11MP requirement at RM2.8bil.
These projects are to be implemented and completed within next two years with 249 projects scheduled to be completed by the year 2020 and two projects slightly beyond.
“Up to date, five projects have been completed and 24 projects are currently under construction. The remaining projects are under various stages of design and tender,” he said in his winding up speech.
He disclosed that a consultant was commissioned last May to carry out the study on Water Supply Master Plan and Water Grid.
“This study is currently in progress and will take eighteen months to complete due to the vast scope and details that the consultant would need to cover.
