KUCHING, Nov 18: The Sarawak government has allocated RM407 million to implement 53 high-impact water supply projects in an effort to improve the infrastructure and water supply system in Sarikei Division.
According to a report from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) today, Assistant Utilities Minister (Water Supply) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said so far, 37 projects worth RM30 million, involving 34 ‘Projek Rakyat’, two projects under the 11th Malaysia Plan and one project under the Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB) have been completed.
“Meanwhile, 15 projects, involving 12 ‘Projek Rakyat’, one SCORE Project and two Sarawak Alternative Water Supply Programme (Sawas) projects worth around RM301 million are still under construction and are expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
“Another Rural Development Ministry (KPLB) project worth around RM76 million is currently in the planning stages and is expected to be tendered in the second quarter of 2022,” he said in a briefing session after a working visit to the Sarikei Division Water Supply Project on Wednesday.
Dr Abdul Rahman noted the scope of work for these projects includes the installation of new pipelines, construction of high level tanks, construction of booster pump stations, upgrading of water treatment plants and construction of raw water inlets.
He added apart from improving the existing water supply system, these projects are also expected to boost the socio-economic status of the local community and catalyze more sustainable economic growth.
He also pointed out that it would ensure better quality of life for the residents in Sarikei Division, especially to the residents in Julau, Pakan and Jalan Kelipu-Julau-Durin (KJD) area, Meradong, Bintangor, Tanjong Manis, Belawai up to Pulau Bruit.
“The projects are part of the Sarawak Water Supply Grid System which was inspired by the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg to resolve water supply issues effectively and comprehensively,” he said. — DayakDaily
