By Nur Ashikin Louis
SAMARAHAN, Oct 25: The Sarawak government will build twin 600mm pipes across Batang Sadong Bridge as part of a permanent water supply system for Simunjan and Sebuyau areas here.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said however, the construction of the project named Package 3D will have to wait for several months pending Sarawak Public Works Department’s (JKR) works to strengthen the bridge structure.
“JKR will take about six to eight months to conduct their works. After that, the project will commence with two pipes to be placed on the left and right sides of the bridge.
“The cost of the project amounts to RM57.9 million and it is expected to be completed by end of next year,” he told a press conference during a work visit to Samarahan today.
Dr Abdul Rahman further explained that the Package 3D project is very important to complement the main water supply from the Sungai Radong catchment area especially when the catchment area is now experiencing drastic sedimentation.
Under the same project, Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Samarahan has placed temporary pipes along Batang Sadong Bridge to supply water immediately to Sebangan and other areas.
On the same day, Dr Abdul Rahman also visited the Lubok Punggor Booster Pump Station and High-Level Tank upgrading project site.
The project worth RM41.9 million, funded by the Sarawak government, is nearing completion.
Once completed, the project will supply water to Lubok Punggor, Lubok Buntin and Tanjung Sap and will benefit over 350 households in Gedong.
Dr Abdul Rahman also revealed that the federal government has allocated RM9.5 million to implement the Sarawak Reticulation System under Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB) which is the distribution of new pipes to rural areas and is expected to be completed by end of this year.
“When all these projects are completed, they will benefit almost 20,000 people in the Samarahan areas especially Gedong, Simunjan and Sebangan,” he added.
Also present were Simunjan assemblyman Awla Idris and Samarahan Division water engineer Tamida Da’adi.
— DayakDaily
