by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 26: The project to upgrade Salim Water Treatment Plant, which is now ahead of schedule, will double the water production capacity at the plant from 150 million litres per day (MLD) to 300 MLD upon completion, subsequently providing a 30 per cent water reserve margin for Sibu and its surrounding areas.
According to a news report by TVS, the project has reached 17.96 per cent progress, 6.45 per cent ahead of schedule.
“We have witnessed positive developments since this project started in May 2024. This project is not only running smoothly, but is also ahead of schedule,” Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi told members of the media after conducting a working visit to the project site at Muka Sauk, Sibu Water Board (LAS), Jalan Stabau, yesterday.
Julaihi added that the recently completed supplementary water supply system at Sungai Sadit would further help increase Sibu’s water reserve margin.
“This is not an overnight solution. It is a long-term plan that is being implemented through the Sarawak Water Grid master plan and system,” he added.
Currently, Sibu relies on two main plants, namely the Salim Water Treatment Plant (150 MLD) and Bukit Lima (45 MLD), with a total capacity of 195 MLD, while daily demand has reached 200 MLD, causing the existing plant to operate beyond capacity.
Once the Salim Water Treatment Plant upgrade is complete, it is expected to be capable of meeting the water supply needs of approximately 350,000 residents in the Sibu, Kanowit, Selangau, Maradong and Rassau districts until 2036.
The Salim Water Treatment Plant upgrading project is one of the initiatives under the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and the implementation of the Sarawak water grid system which will connect all water treatment plants throughout Sarawak.
The State government has also approved an allocation of RM1.1 billion to replace and upgrade 2,740 kilometres (km) of ageing water pipes across Sarawak. Of this amount, RM170 million is allocated specifically for Sibu. – DayakDaily
