Sarawak Government Strengthens Commitment to Clean Water Supply in Rural Areas

The Sarawak Government has reinforced its efforts to ensure access to clean and treated water for all citizens with the opening of the Tebelu Booster Pump Station in Sebuyau District.

Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, said the project is among the government’s key initiatives to achieve 100 per cent water supply coverage by 2030.

He explained that the implementation of the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and the development of the Water Grid System, spearheaded by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, represents a long-term strategic approach to addressing water supply issues comprehensively, both in urban and rural areas.

The Sarawak Government has allocated RM4.6 (USD1.1) billion under Alternative Funding and the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), covering 407 water supply projects, of which 71.7 per cent have been completed.

Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication

The construction of the Tebelu Booster Pump Station forms part of the Projek Rakyat Package 3C, with a total cost of RM36.7 (USD8.75) million.

Work began in 2019 and was completed in early 2023, with the facility now fully operational.

Key components built under the project include the Tebelu Booster Pump Station with a capacity of 7.8 million litres per day, a concrete suction tank with a capacity of 2.3 million litres, and a 3.0-million-litre elevated tank at the Sebuyau Junction.

Julaihi, who is also the Sebuyau Assemblyman, further revealed that RM1.1 (USD0.26) billion has been approved to replace and upgrade 2,742 kilometres of pipelines across the state, aimed at reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW).

For the Samarahan Division alone, RM14.8 (USD3.53) million has been allocated for eight new pipeline replacement projects spanning 40.7 kilometres, scheduled for implementation between 2024 and 2025.

However, he raised concerns over vandalism of government assets, which has caused millions of ringgit in losses and disrupted public services.

He urged the public to work together to combat such acts by reporting them to the authorities.

“The Sarawak Government remains committed to continuously improving utility infrastructure and ensuring the people enjoy quality, sustainable and comprehensive water supply services,” he added.

Also present were Ministry of Utility and Telecommunications (MUTS) Permanent Secretary, Datu Jafri Lias, Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Director Ir Ts Awang Mohammad Fadillah Awang Redzuan, Samarahan Division Resident’s representative, Rais Ahmad, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, Malseni Jamal, and Sebuyau District Office representative, Louis Adria Barieng. 

Source: UKASnews