By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 21: Dudong assemblyman Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has lambasted the Sibu Water Board (SWB) for their lack of long-term planning and inadequate crisis management regarding frequent water supply interruptions in Sibu, particularly in the Salim and Bukit Lima areas.
Tiong, who also serves as federal Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac), stressed that the disruptions have severely impacted the livelihoods of residents, leading to widespread public resentment. He further demanded the board issue an apology.
“The substandard water supply measures in Salim and Bukit Lima severely impact the people’s livelihoods.
“SWB must provide a reasonable explanation and even apologise to the people for their negligence and persistent misconduct, which directly undermines the goals of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg of prioritising the people through good governance and striving to improve infrastructure in Sarawak,” he said in a press statement issued today.
He further highlighted that despite raising concerns repeatedly since the State elections of 2020 and 2021, SWB has failed to address the root causes of the water interruptions.
“What is unacceptable is that as we approach 2024, the authorities continue to use the same excuses and explanations while the people still face challenges in meeting their basic needs of life. This is something that cannot be compromised nor tolerated,” he asserted.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, stated that he had previously proposed deepening the Rajang River or finding a suitable location for a water pump.
“However, I cannot understand or accept the reason that “the Rajang River is too shallow for water pumping, necessitating water supply interruptions.”
“What kind of engineering is so inflexible that it cannot effectively solve the water supply problem?” he claimed.
The minister also reminded SWB that access to clean water is a basic human right, and the residents of Sibu should not have to spend additional money on water for daily use due to the board’s incompetence.
He further questioned SWB leadership’s accountability and urged them to take immediate action to solve the water supply problems.
Furthermore, Tiong suggested that SWB appoint a capable consultant or contractor to conduct on-site inspections and propose effective solutions.
“SWB must be down-to-earth, go to the grassroots, understand and solve the problems people face, instead of just sitting in the office and making excuses.
“People are tired of SWB’s many excuses. I warn SWB to provide solutions immediately and appease public resentment with practical actions and stop frequent flood problems from happening again,” he added. — DayakDaily
