46 pct of Sibu’s produced water fail to reach end users

Wong speaking to reporters after visiting SWB.

By William Isau

SIBU, Aug 1: Residents here have been advised to use water prudently due to the 46 per cent non-revenue water (NRW) which has been identified as the main factor for low water volume.

“They produce so much, (and) so much is used. So, whenever there is this water supply interruption or low pressure, they (Sibu Water Board) is trying to solve. But since the water produced is used to the limit, I would request members of the public to use the water carefully and prudently,” said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.

Speaking to reporters after visiting Sibu Water Board (SWB) with Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) members today, Wong said if the public is not wasteful in using water, others will have the opportunity to use it.

SWB Deputy General Manager Lau Pon Yin conducted a briefing for the visitors on the frequent water supply interruptions in the town.

Wong also advised the public to prepare their own water tanks to store water in low water pressure areas.

According to Wong, the 46 per cent NRV is higher than the national average of 35 per cent. The high NRV, he said, was caused by damaged underground main pipes as most parts of the town are located in peat soil.

Once the pipes sink to a certain level, they are at higher risk of breaking. There are also some pipes laid a long time ago that cannot be located especially in rural areas and under concrete roads.

“That’s why, you know, sayang lah. What is produced, almost half is gone. Otherwise, we would have enough,” he said.

He believed that the frequent water supply interruptions would be over by either 2026 or 2027 as by then there will be enough capacity to cater for members of the public in Sibu.

“The renewal of pipes, changing of pipes are being done. And then they’re going to build two high-rise water tanks, one at the Ling Chu Ming Road, another one near the Bawang Asang longhouse and Dudong areas. And that would help to solve the problem,” he added.

SWB’s current capacity is about 195MLD from the Salim Plant water treatment plant of 150MLD and the Bukit Lima Plant of 45MLD. — DayakDaily