By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Aug 26: Sarawak will need over RM20 billion to achieve complete water supply coverage by 2030, as the State’s current water supply coverage stands at 85.6 per cent, with urban areas enjoying over 99 per cent access and rural areas falling behind at only 71 per cent.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the implementation of the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and Sarawak Water Grid is key to reaching the target of 100 per cent coverage by the end of 2030.
“We need a lot of allocation from the government to carry out these extensive exercises, which based on the assessments, will require over RM20 million to get full coverage Statewide in the near future,” he said during the launch of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
He gave assurance that rural and hard-to-reach settlements are not overlooked with the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) programme complementing the State’s treatment plants and water grid system.
“Our target is to get full coverage through the grid, which comes from water treatment to the areas that are accessible using our distribution pipe, while at the same time utilising the SAWAS system in inland areas,” he explained.
He also expressed gratitude to the Premier, noting that the State government has approved RM1.1 billion to upgrade and replace 2,740 kilometres of dilapidated water pipes across Sarawak.
“The programme, which began at the end of 2024, is being implemented in phases over five years,” Julaihi mentioned.
He also said that almost RM6 billion has been allocated by the Sarawak government since 2018 to implement water supply projects Statewide, while Acute Water Treatment Plant (AWTP) facilities are being introduced in suitable areas to tackle urgent needs. — DayakDaily
