KABONG: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg wants the temporary alternative project to overcome water woes in this area which is worth a total of RM6.5million to be completed within a month.
He said the State Government had approved a number of provisions to the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) for the implementation of projects to solve the water problems which have always worried the villagers here.
“An allocation of RM6.5 million has been approved to get the water supply restored in one month’s time and this allocation does not include the RM60 million needed for the implementation of a long term water supply system in the area which was announced recently,” Abang Johari said.
He added that the allocation would be used to urgently rectify the shortage of water supply due to low water pressure from Lichok Water Treatment Plant, which has become very critical following the damage of 500mm mains on May 9. “We hope the project can be completed within a month so that people can enjoy clean water supply as usual.
If it is necessary to add the number of contractors, then it must be done,” he said during his visit to Kabong water treatment plant here on Monday. The project involves the construction of the new pipeline connection from existing channels that cross Roban directly to Kabong, he pointed out.
Meanwhile, he said the government would also build a direct water channel from water intake to Kabong at a cost of RM60 million and the project is dedicated to Kabong, but its construction is expected to take one and a half years to two years.
“Through the allocation, villages that do not have pipelines also can be included,” he said. Abang Johari at the same time wants the responsible party to have clear plans to overcome any issues involving clean water problems. A total of 1,000 water storage tanks will also be supplied to residents here.
The JBALB informed that it would continue to channel clean water supply by truck to the affected areas for the time being. Also present were Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, Assistant Minister of Water Supply Datuk Liwan Lagang, Kabong Assemblyman Mohd Chee Kadir, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Utilities Dato Ir. Alice Jawan and JBALB Director Chang Kuet Shian.
