JBALB Sarawak refutes claims villagers sidelined from getting treated water supply

Kg Sinop chief, Ramlee (second right) reading out a statement about the project which will be carried under the Rural Water Project in his village. Also present was Fadil (second left).

By Brad Rantayy

MIRI, July 19: Eight houses in Kampung Sinop Hilir, Subis have not been left aside in terms of access to treated water supply, disclosed Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) in a statement today.

JBALB, in dismissing a recent news report by a national TV station which claimed that residents of these eight houses have no access to treated water supply, said the report has created confusion and misunderstanding amongst the villagers and outsiders.

“One Projek Bekalan Air Luar Bandar from Siwak area to Miri Coastal Road has been approved by the Federal government through the Rural Development Ministry and JBALB Sarawak has been tasked as the implementation agency.

“The project, estimated to cost RM39 million, is currently at the design stage. This project also covers Kampung Sinop (Hilir),” JBALB Sarawak explained.

The project scope covers the installation of new pipelines, submarine pipeline and a booster pump to serve the area in Siwak up to Miri Coastal Road.

It is understood that majority of the population in Kampung Sinop Hulu have access to treated water supply, while the remaining eight houses in Kampung Sinop Hilir will be included in the upcoming project.

There are a total of 40 houses in Kampung Sinop.

Earlier today, JBALB Miri arranged a meet-up between the local media including the said TV station’s reporter with Kampung Sinop village chief Ramlee Talip to clarify the issue.

Also present was JBALB Divisional Water Engineer Fadil Kawi. — DayakDaily