By Karen Bong and Chris Bishop
SIMUNJAN, Aug 20: The project to increase the quality and quantity of water supply to Simunjan from two networks with one from Samarahan across Batang Sadong, which works to lay the transmission mains, is progressing well with only 7km left.
Noting the water supply problem in Simunjan, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg explained that the project involved upgrading the water network system with larger pipes to carry and supply water to the area.
“Another supply will come from Serian to ensure there will be sufficient and clean water supply to Simunjan.
“By 2030, there will be no water supply problems in Simunjan,” he said when officiating at the Simunjan Esplanade here, which was broadcast live through the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) YouTube Channel today.
Abang Johari added that there is no water supply problem in Sadong Jaya, Kabong, and Sebuyau today as the water connection has been done and is now only left with upgrading to a bigger pipe to support the increasing flow of water.
“We want to ensure continuous treated water supply can reach the people in all areas, and we will make that happen. So, hopefully, there will be no water supply problems in Simunjan and Gedong by 2030,” he added.
Abang Johari also mentioned that Simunjan would also see a new District Office building equipped with housing for staff near the town.
As for housing, he said that RM45 million had been approved for developing a new affordable housing scheme on an 81-acre site.
“The Sarawak government has a policy to help the B40 group to own houses where we will bear the RM10,000 deposit for the down payment.
“House buyers can also obtain a loan for the balance from Mutiara Mortgage at only one per cent interest rate,” he added.
Calling the people to safeguard the unity in Sarawak, Abang Johari emphasised that the State government will continue all efforts to improve and upgrade all infrastructures not only in Simunjan but also in Gedong so that people in the two districts can benefit from all the development and in turn elevate their standard of living and wellbeing.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Batang Sadong MP Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Ir Aidel Lariwoo, State Secretary Dato Sri Abu Bakar Marzuki, Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris and Kota Samarahan MP Datuk Rubiah Wang were among those present. — DayakDaily
