By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, May 1: Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi expressed hope that the federal government will allow Sarawak to proceed with the implementation of approved water projects, particularly in rural areas, which have yet to be executed.
He highlighted that the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) has the capacity and expertise to carry out these projects.
Julaihi cited the RM129 million water project in Puncak Borneo, approved in 2017, which has yet to be realised.
“JBALB possesses the technical capacity and resources to implement these approved projects, if given the opportunity.
“In other words, JBALB has the full technical capabilities to execute the approved projects,” he said during his site visit to the Acute Water System near Bengoh Dam on Wednesday (April 30).
Julaihi also emphasised that the Sarawak government, under his Ministry, is actively implementing the Sarawak Water Supply Masterplan and the Sarawak Grid Water Supply System.
He noted the significant allocations made by the Sarawak government to water agencies, such as RM17 million for JBALB and RM267 million for Kuching Water Board (KWB), for the repair and upgrading of outdated water pipes, further demonstrating the State’s commitment and capability.
Regarding the Acute Water System, Julaihi explained that it serves as an interim solution to address water issues in parts of Puncak Borneo for the next three years, while awaiting the federal approval and implementation of the planned projects.
The system’s three-year operational period may be extended once the approved projects are completed.
The RM12.6 million project was completed in eight months and has a capacity of 6 million litres per day (MLD). Once fully operational, it will serve 5,819 homes, benefiting approximately 36,000 people.
“It is our commitment to ensure that all rural areas have access to treated water by 2030,” Julaihi asserted.
Meanwhile, Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin, who was also present at the site visit, shared that the RM129 million Phase II water project was originally approved in 2017 but was cancelled under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s tenure. It was reinstated in 2019 following his appeal.
Also present at the visit was Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Roads) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, among other officials. — DayakDaily
