By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Dec 1: The Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunications (MUT) is exploring the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) as a method to accelerate the implementation of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) programmes in rural areas.
Its minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said SAWAS is an off-grid initiative that provides clean water to residents in remote areas who cannot be connected to the water grid system.
To date, SAWAS has benefited approximately 2,600 households across 79 villages and longhouses. It was estimated that another 1,300 villages and longhouses in remote areas will receive water supply through SAWAS.
“We are exploring PFI right now. My Ministry, together with the Sarawak Financial Secretary’s Office and the relevant water supply agency, are currently examining the implementation method,” he said when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today. — DayakDaily
