KUCHING, April 5: The Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) is implementing three initiatives costing about RM40 million to improve water supply along Kuching-Serian Road, including areas heading towards Kampung Taee.
The Ministry of Utilities said this in response to a news report urging JBALB to waive the outstanding water bills charged to the customers as it was unfair to the affected customers who have been facing water supply problems since 2010.
“This issue occurred due to the frequent leakage of old pipes, and the water supply was inadequate to meet growing demand,” the Ministry said.
The first initiative, the Ministry pointed out, was upgrading 250mm piping along 16km from the Stabun High Water Tank to Taee Booster Pump Station. Work began last August and is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
“The second initiative is the construction of Siburan Booster Pump Station, including the new 800mm size pipeline. It is also expected to be completed by the end of this April.”
The pump can accommodate water supply from Siburan to Serian, including increasing water supply to Kampung Taee.
The third initiative is to build a new booster pump station to address the low water pressure problem at Kampung Bunga and the surrounding areas.
“All the three initiatives will ensure residents in Kampung Taee area receive sufficient water supply.”
In line with the implementation of these projects, JBALB is confident that the water supply problem in Serian area will be tackled.
“For now, JBALB Serian will continue to deliver water through tankers to ensure residents can carry out their daily tasks.”
The ministry assured that JBALB Sarawak would implement the planned projects according to the time frame.
In the event of any water supply disruption or relating to water bills, the residents can contact JBALB Serian or JBALB Serian Careline at 013-3361566. — DayakDaily
