KUCHING, August 31: The water supply to residents in Sungai Asap has been affected since new water mains had been installed.
A local community leader from Sungai Asap, Pemanca Tony Kulleh alleged that the new water mains were of sub-standard quality and easily burst under high water pressure.
“We would like the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to rectify the problem as it is affecting our water supplies. Whenever there is high water pressure the water mains will burst. But when the water pressure is low, then our water supply also gets affected,” Tony said when contacted.
However, Tony was glad that the water treatment plant at Sg Koyan was finally completed and operational and has been able to supply sufficient water to the residents of Sg Asap.
“If not for the watermains, our water supply would have been greatly improved with the installation of the pontoon for the water intake for the Sg Koyan water treatment plant,” he said.
Prior to this, Sg Asap residents had lodged numerous complaints to the government as the water intake was built at the bank of Sg Koyan, resulting in mud being sucked in during dry weather.
When contacted, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon said that, for the interim period, there was bound to be an interruption to their water supply due to the change of water mains.
Meanwhile, Rural Water Supply Assistant Minister Datuk Liwan Lagang said he will ask JBALB director to check the allegations made by Tony to ensure the quality of the pipes were not compromised.
“We will continue to upgrade the water supply system in Sg Asap. Now we are laying the new water mains to replace the old ones,” he said.
Liwan, who is also Belaga assemblyman, thanked Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for allocating RM1 million for all households in Sg Asap to connect their water supply from the water meters right up to the taps inside their houses.
The allocation, which would benefit some 10,000 people from 15 longhouses in Sg Asap, had been approved by the chief minister during his recent visit to Sg Asap, his first official trip to the area after assuming the post. — DayakDaily
