By: Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Dec 31: The Sarawak government through Ministry of Utilities together with the two implementing agencies Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and Sibu Water Board (LAS) are committed to resolve water supply issues plaguing residents at Assan Nuggang Sarikei and Sengan Sibu.
JBALB in press statement today said the ongoing Pan Borneo Highway constructions, increasing demand for water supply especially during festive season, old pipeline in poor condition as well as hilly, high and relatively remote geographical position are the main factors identified which have resulted in water supply disruptions in these areas.
According to the statement, short and long term plans are currently being implemented by JBALB Sarawak and LAS to address the water supply issue as well as to improve the water supply system in the Assan Nuggang and Sengan areas.
“Meantime, regular and scheduled delivery of relief water supply using tankers are being carried out to the affected areas. For Assan Nuggang under JBALB Sarikei division, several short- and long-term solutions have been planned to address the water supply issue involving residents at Rh. Saong, Rh. Nyundang, Rh. Serani, Rh. Galin, Rh. Ladong, Rh. Matthew, Rh. Dennis, Rh. Merai, Rh. Saloma and Rh. Kerampu,” it said.
JBALB explained the short-term plan currently being implemented involved the ‘replacement and Upgrading of Temadak Water Treatment Plant Existing Pumping Main to 500mm DICL’ which costs around RM200,000.
The project, it said, which is fully funded by the Sarawak government is expected to be completed on Jan 10, 2021 and once complete, will improve the existing water supply system to the KJD and surrounding areas including Assan Nuggang.
“Apart from that, the short-term plan to be implemented by JBALB Sarawak is the construction of a new 500mm OD HDPE outlet pipes at Bulat Reservoir. The construction of the new pipeline by Pan Borneo contractor is very crucial and more effective in channeling water directly to those areas,” it added.
Meanwhile, JBALB pointed out that the Project Work Order 6 CR1 and Project Work Order 8 CR1 are the long-term plans currently being implemented by JBALB Sarawak to resolve water supply issues in these areas and these two big-scale projects are also fully funded by the Sarawak government with an allocation of about RM35 million and expected to be completed by 2022.
When completed, it said, will benefit the residents in the KJD and surrounding areas including Assan Nuggang with more consistent and continuous water supply.
“For Sengang area under LAS, several short, medium and long term solutions are currently underway to address the water supply issues involving residents at Rh. Agatha and Rh Mujah. Among the works include replacing new communication pipes at Rh. Agatha which was completed on Dec 29, 2020, while for Rh Mujah, works to upgrade an existing 63mm HDPE pipe to 160mm HDPE estimated to cost RM300,000 is expected to be completed in March 2021.
“Besides, LAS is also planning to build and install a water storage tank with an estimated cost of RM75,000 for Rh. Setia, Rh. Lapok dan Rh. Linggang. The purpose is to replace the gravity system with direct pumping system which in the past has affected the water pressure to Sengan area. For the long term plan, the Water Supply Kanowit Phase 2 under Projek Rakyat is ongoing and expected to be completed in November 2021,” the statement read.
JBALB also apologised for the inconvenience caused and appreciated its consumers’ patience and understanding during the work in progress period.
“We are constantly in discussion with the Public Works Department (JKR) and Pan Borneo contractors to ensure all projects are being implemented well,” it said. – DayakDaily.
