By Lian Cheng
SERIAN, Sept 24: Work to upgrade the capacity of the Slabi water treatment plant (Slabi WTP) from 50 million per litres per day (MLD) to 100 MLD is scheduled to be completed by May 2021.
Currently, the project’s progress stands at 40 per cent. The upgrade will incorporate safety and environmental features such as using salt electrolysis for disinfection and sludge treatment. This plant will be fully monitored online.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg was briefed on the progress of the project during a visit to the Slabi WTP yesterday.
According to Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) director Chang Kuet Shian, the project is necessary to increase water distribution network coverage within Serian Division and its vicinity.
Upon completion, the water treatment plant will also serve as an alternative water source for Simunjan, Sebangan, Sebuyau and Asajaya if the supply line from Kuching face interruptions.
“Slabi WTP will be one of the supporting plants to supply water to Samarahan, Siburan, Sebangan and Simunjan, as they are linked to Serian via the water grid which is under construction. It is our plan to increase and improve water supply reliability within the Serian Division and this forms part of the southern water grid. The water supply may even reach as far as Balai Ringin and beyond.”
Chang noted that since 2018, JBALB have been busy resolving unreliable water supply problems through various project Rakyat. Much improvements in reliability and pressure have been achieved since 2018.
“Through the current NRW (non-revenue water) programme, many pipe leakages had been detected and repaired. The aged pipes were replaced in phases and the water pressure distribution is ongoing as areas that are hilly and undulating require water pressure to be regulated.
“Since JBALB’s inception, we resolved many water stress issues by improving infrastructure and management as well as increasing water supply coverage and reliability. The service is continuously being improved through various initiatives and online monitoring,” Chang added.
Serian JBALB seeks the public’s cooperation to report any leakages or water related issues for improvement of services through the following numbers: Serian JBALB Counter at 082-875319 (office hours), or WhatsApp only (24 hours) at 013-3361566 (general complaints) and 016-8989983 (water tanker service). — DayakDaily
