KUCHING, March 28: The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication in Sarawak is embarking on an extensive initiative to replace and upgrade old water pipes across the state, starting with an allocation of RM247 million for this year.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi announced that the State government has allocated substantial funds for the replacement and upgrade of approximately 2,740 kilometers of old water pipes.
“Our focus this year is on the replacement and upgrade of old water pipes, for which we have been allocated more than RM1 billion over a five-year period,” Julaihi informed reporters during a site visit to the Batu Kitang water treatment plant.
He emphasised that the Sarawak government is committed to improving water infrastructure across the State, with projects like the Tanjong Manis to Sibu pipeline, announced on Feb 17, being part of this effort.
Similar projects in Kanowit and Kapit, among others, are also in the pipeline.
Julaihi explained that these projects will eventually form a comprehensive water grid system in Sarawak, ensuring reliable access to treated water for all residents, including those in rural areas.
“Our ultimate goal is to provide treated water supply to the people, including those in rural areas. We are continuously working on the water grid system, progressing phase by phase and package by package,” he affirmed.
He highlighted that providing treated water supply is one of the key enablers under the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) that the government is committed to fulfilling. Currently, water coverage in rural areas stands at about 70 per cent, and the aim is to achieve complete coverage by 2030. — DayakDaily
