KUCHING: The implementation of the Sarawak Water Supply Grid Masterplan is a major key in ensuring that every household in the state will have sufficient water supply by 2025.
Utility Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said his ministry continuous to work hard to undertake a very heavy task to ensure that the plan is successful and timely.
“We have an anchor in a few zones like Kuching Water Board for the South Zone, Sibu Water Board in the Central Zone and the North Zone include the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB).
“All of these anchors play an important role in monitoring and solving problems or conflicts relating to waters in their respective jurisdictions.
“If we look at Limbang, JBALB has doubled the capacity of water supply in the area, and this is a very good success,” he pointed out.
Dr Rundi revealed that so far 89 percent of the rural areas have successfully received clean water supply, while in urban areas it is 99 percent.
He added that this is contributed by the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply System (Sawas) which focuses on the distribution of clean water supply to the rural population whilst waiting for availability of access roads.
“Once the access roads are completed, we will be able to make a water pipe connection along the road.
“So far there are plans for this, including providing other facilities such as pump booster to ensure water pressure is always sufficient.
“Moreover, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg also provides a full support including a huge allocation to realise this effort,” he said.
On another note, Dr Rundi also stressed that his ministry has given emphasis for the conservation of clean water resources, particularly involving the coastal area of Sarawak.
“The government also focuses on the coastal area as this area has no adequate clean water sources.
“Therefore, we are doing better details and planning so that we can maintain adequate clean water supply in the area,” he explained.
