By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 1: Three water tanks with an accumulative capacity of 75 million litres are underway in Matang here which will strengthen treated water storage capacity to meet water supply needs in northern Kuching, including Petra Jaya, Samariang, Bako, Santubong, Rambungan, Sampadi, Stoh, FAC Matang, and parts of Samajaya.
According to Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, the project involves the construction of two intermediate-level water reservoirs, each with a capacity of 33 million litres, and one high-level reservoir with a capacity of 9 million litres.
It also includes upgrading the pumping system at an existing booster pump station, installing pipelines, and carrying out related works.
“To date, the high-level reservoir has achieved 31 per cent overall physical progress, while construction of the intermediate-level reservoirs has reached 64.5 per cent, ahead of schedule,” he said in a statement following a visit to the project site today.
Julaihi also said Sarawak’s overall water supply coverage had increased to 86.1 per cent, while rural water supply coverage had risen to 72 per cent, through the State government’s continuous efforts.
He added that the Sarawak government is developing a water grid system in line with the Sarawak Water Supply and Water Grid Master Plan.
The implementation of the master plan includes the construction and upgrading of 32 major water treatment plants, as well as the development of a 2,934-kilometre water pipeline grid connecting the Southern Region to the Northern Region.
In addition, the Sarawak government is implementing a programme to upgrade and replace 2,740 kilometres of old and deteriorating water pipes, with an allocation of RM1.1 billion to improve the pipeline network and reduce non-revenue water (NRW) losses.
“So far, 44 projects have been completed, 38 are at various stages of construction, while the remaining 140 projects are at the pre-contract stage.
“All remaining projects are targeted to commence construction by the second quarter of 2027,” he said.
He stressed that the Sarawak government would continue to prioritise the development of a comprehensive water supply system encompassing raw water sources, water treatment plants, main pipeline networks, booster pump stations, storage reservoirs, and reticulation systems. — DayakDaily
