By DayakDaily Team
KOTA SAMARAHAN, April 4: The Sarawak government has approved more than RM300 million to upgrade and replace ageing pipelines across the Kota Samarahan area, including Kampung Baru, which has been facing frequent water supply disruptions.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang, said the funding, approved by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is aimed at replacing the outdated system.
The project is designed to not only improve water pressure but also reduce the high rate of Non-Revenue Water (NRW).
“The project has completed the tendering process and is expected to be awarded by the end of this month. Implementation will take 12 months, and we are confident that the new piping systems and meters will greatly enhance the quality and reliability of water supply,” she told Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) after conducting a survey in Kampung Baru on Friday (April 3).
She added that the upgrade also targets water loss within the distribution system, enabling more effective resolution of existing issues.
“The government will closely monitor the progress to ensure residents enjoy a stable and sufficient water supply,” she assured.
During the visit, Rubiah, along with representatives from the Kuching Water Board (KWB) and the district administration, noted that water supply challenges are largely due to rapid population growth and an ageing pipeline network that can no longer meet current demand.
She added that while the new pipeline installation in Kampung Baru is nearing completion, some areas still experience interruptions, mainly due to low water pressure.
In a related update, previously stalled pipe reconnection works have now been completed despite challenges such as pipe theft, which had delayed progress leading up to the recent festive season.
“During Hari Raya, water had to be supplied via tankers. However, access was limited in some areas due to narrow roads in Kampung Baru,” she explained.
Additional factors prolonging the issue include the difficulty of tracing old pipelines and the close proximity of houses, which complicates maintenance and upgrading efforts.
Present during the survey were Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd acting chief executive officer Malseni Jamal, Samarahan District Officer Ahmad Abdul Razak, Kampung Baru community leader Man Mok, Kampung Baru Village head Juli Mohammed, and Kampung Baru Hilir Village head Dolhadi Janie. — DayakDaily
