By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, July 29: The Salim Water Treatment Plant upgrading project, aimed at doubling its capacity from 150 million litres per day (MLD) to 300 MLD, has achieved a progress rate of 25.48 per cent, exceeding the original schedule target of 16.63 per cent by 8.85 per cent.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi announced that the RM291.4 million project by the Sarawak government encompasses construction works, land acquisition for raw water pipelines, site supervision, and professional consultancy fees throughout the implementation period.
“Once completed, the upgraded facility is expected to benefit approximately 350,000 residents across the districts of Sibu, Kanowit, Selangau, Maradong, and Rassau, with water demand projected up to the year 2036,” he said during a visit to the project site today.
The project’s key components include major upgrades and the construction of new infrastructure to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the region’s water supply system.
Among them is the expansion of the Phase 2 raw water intake facility from 150 MLD to 300 MLD, along with the construction of an 8-kilometre raw water pipeline using 1.4-metre-diameter mild steel pipes.
Julaihi disclosed that the Salim Water Treatment Plant itself is also being upgraded from 150 MLD to 300 MLD to meet rising water demand.
“Additionally, existing plant components under Phases 1 and 2 are being enhanced, including the travelling sludge bridge, power generation sets, and filtration systems.
“To improve the distribution of treated water, the project also involves the construction of a new 4-kilometre treated water pipeline, comprising two kilometres of 1.6-metre-diameter pipes and another two kilometres of 1.2-metre-diameter pipes,” he explained
Accompanying the minister during the visit were ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Jafri Lias, Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Sarawak director Ir Ts Awang Mohammad Fadillah Awang Redzuan, Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd acting chief executive officer Malseni Jamal, Sibu Water Board general manager Abdul Malik Abdullah, and Kuching Water Board general manager Ir Rodziah Mohamad. — DayakDaily
