KUCHING, June 1: The Sarawak government is spending RM2 billion to further develop the state’s water supply for the benefit of more households in various parts of Sarawak this year.
When announcing this, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg also disclosed that presently, treated water supply in Sarawak had achieved 81 per cent coverage involving some 478,000 households.
He gave his assurance that the Sarawak government has been doing all it can to solve water woes in various parts of Sarawak.
Citing his recent visit to Kabong for a closer look at the water supply problem there, he said the state government will be spending RM6.5 million to upgrade the infrastructure there.
“I am sure there are many other areas with similar problems that we need to tackle as soon as possible while waiting for the proposed state water grid to be completed in at least five years’ time costing about RM8 billion,” said Abang Johari in his Gawai message.
In terms of rural electricity supply, he said the state government is expected to spend RM94 million in an effort to extend supply to 2,000 more households in rural Sarawak.
“As for rural electricity supply it has covered a total of 50,000 households and the state government has spent RM1.7 billion to implement projects in many rural parts of Sarawak from 2014 until last year,” said Abang Johari.
As for road connectivity, he said the Sarawak government will continue building more rural roads and a total of RM2.4 billion in state and federal funds have been approved for this purpose under the 11th Malaysia Plan. — DayakDaily
