SIBU: Nine new projects have been approved under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP) with a total scheme value of RM673 million.
Sibu Water Board (SWB) general manager Abdul Malik Abdullah said five of these projects were recently approved during the Mid-Term Review of the 12MP this year.
“For instance, the Salim Water Treatment Plant Upgrade from 150 MLD (millions of litres per day) to 300 MLD with a total value of RM300 million is implemented to meet the increasing demand in the SWB area and partially to the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) area.
“It serves as the main plant for the central region under the Sarawak Water Supply Master Grid Programme.
“The project is in the tender preparation process and is expected to commence in April 2024, completing by the end of 2026,” he said in his speech at SWB’s Dinner here last night (Nov 10).
He said the Replacement of Old Pipes project, with a scheme value of RM170 million, is also planned to replace 360 kilometres of old pipes prone to leaks.
“With this project, it can reduce the rate of non-revenue water loss,” he added.
Abdul Malik also stressed that SWB is actively addressing water supply issues in several areas such as Sibu Jaya, Bawang Assan, and Pasai Siong.
“For example, the water supply in Sibu Jaya, including Eco Garden, has been improved with the completion of Pipeline A (from Salim Plant to Farley junction) in September 2022 under the Kanowit Phase 2 Water Supply project.
“The situation will further improve with the expected completion of Pipeline B in the first quarter of 2024 for the same project.
“Including two projects specifically for Sibu Jaya Flat, scheduled for this year with a project cost of RM7 million under the ‘Projek Rakyat’.
“The project is in the tender process and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024,” he added.
Regarding water supply in Bawang Assan, he said that two projects are underway under the ‘Projek Rakyat’ involving the replacement of worn-out pipes on Jalan Sungai Maaw and Bawang Assan, and the installation of a new storage tank at the Sibu West Booster Station.
“Both of these will help improve water pressure in the affected areas, especially in the Bawang Assan area, including Melanggan, expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024,” he said.
He also said that water supply issues in Rh. John Lalong and Rh. Edward have been addressed by installing a direct pipe to both longhouses earlier this year.
“The water problem is expected to be resolved halfway upon the completion of the online booster pump installation at the end of this year,” he added.
