BY AINI SELIKANG
SARIKEI: The 53 projects worth RM407 mln prove that the state and federal governments are committed to improving the water supply system in Sarikei Division.
State Assistant Utilities (Water Supply) Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said all the projects were meticulously planned by the Ministry of Utilities through the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and the Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB).
In fact, the government had also implemented a total of 46 Projek Rakyat, two 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) projects, two KPLB projects, one Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) project as well as two Sarawak Rural Water Supply Scheme (Sawas) projects to meet growing demand for water.
“So far, 37 projects worth around RM30 mln, namely 34 Projek Rakyat, two 11MP projects and one KPLB project have been completed, and they have successfully addressed the issue of water supply in Sarikei.
“Meanwhile, 15 projects, namely 12 Projek Rakyat, one Score project and two Sawas projects worth around RM301 mln are still under construction, and are expected to be completed by the end of next year.
“In addition, a KPLB project worth around RM76 mln is currently in the planning stage and is expected to be tendered in the second quarter of 2022,” he said during a visit to the Bayong Water Treatment Plant here on Wednesday (Nov 17).
Dr Abdul Rahman added that the scope of work included the installation of new pipelines, construction of high-level tanks, booster pump stations and raw water inlets, and upgrading of water treatment plants.
At the same time, he said work to improve the existing water supply system was expected to boost the socioeconomic status of the community, including in Julau, Pakan, Meradong, Bintangor, Tanjung Manis, Belawai as well as Pulau Bruit.
“To ensure the quality of water supply is better and continuous in the division, JBALB will ensure that the projects, which are currently in the implementation stage, will be completed within the stipulated time.”
