by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 14: The newly completed Acute Water Treatment Plant in Sungai Sadit, costing approximately RM5 million, has officially begun operations, marking a critical step in enhancing Sibu’s water supply resilience and reducing strain on the region’s main treatment facilities.
According to a news report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the plant, which began construction in September 2024, produces four million litres of water per day. This capacity could ease the pressure on the Salim and Bukit Lima Water Treatment Plants, which currently serve as Sibu’s main water plants.
“With the operation of the Acute Water Treatment Plant, the load on the Salim Plant, which currently produces 150 million litres per day, and the Bukit Lima Plant can be reduced.
“This allows both plants to concentrate water supply on the Sibu urban area, while residents in Sungai Sadit and nearby areas receive a more stable supply,” he told reporters after officiating the plant yesterday.
Julaihi also stressed that continuous efforts are still needed to ensure that all areas in Sibu receive sufficient and good quality water supply, even though the water supply coverage in the area is currently at 87.2 per cent.
“The government is also upgrading the Salim Water Treatment Plant to reach a capacity of 300 million litres per day and conducting a study to increase the capacity of the Bukit Lima Plant, in line with future needs,” he explained.
He further emphasised the importance of reducing the rate of non-revenue water, which he said often occurs due to leaking pipes due to age, soil movement, or damage during construction work.
“I call on all contractors and parties involved to be more vigilant and immediately report any damage to the authorities to ensure that the water supply is not disrupted,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) in a statement said that the plant construction project is expected to improve the existing water supply system and meet the increasing demand for supply in the Sungai Sadit area and its surroundings area.
The project, fully funded by the Sarawak government, also includes the installation of new pipelines into the existing distribution system, and is expected to provide great benefits to local residents. – DayakDaily
