By Nancy Nais
GEDONG, Dec 16: Water quality and supply woes are now a thing of the past for the residents of Kampung Lubuk Punggor and surrounding areas such as Kampung Bangka Semong, Lubok Buntin, Tanjung Sap and Kampung Benat Hilir.
Today, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for N26 Gedong Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officially launched a project which upgrades the water supply infrastructure for these areas.
The project was fully funded by the Sarawak government and completed in October this year.
It involves the laying of 39.5km of pipelines, construction of a booster pump station and a high-level tank with a one-million-litre capacity to cover the areas of Lubok Punggor, Lubok Buntin and Tanjung Sap.
Speaking at the launch, Abang Johari, who is also the caretaker Chief Minister said residents of Kampung Lubuk Punggor and those in the vicinity can now enjoy a good supply of clean treated water.
“Two years ago, when I became the Chief Minister, I immediately instructed Ministry of Utilities (MOU), Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and all relevant government agencies to study, survey and work closely to identify and resolve water issues in Samarahan and Simunjan.
“This project which costs RM45 million, has improved and upgraded the current piping system as well as other upgrading works to ensure the treated water supply can benefit some 323 households in Gedong by providing them with better and consistent water supply more effectively.
“As mentioned earlier, these villagers were relying on river water, which is hard to treat. This is a long standing issue, which was why I made it a point to look into it the moment I became chief minister two years ago. Alhamdullilah, today it has materialised,” Abang Johari said.
He added that it is time for Sarawak’s rural communities to enjoy clean and stable water supply, as it involves daily life and activities.
— DayakDaily
