Durin residents in limbo as water cuts continue, DAP man questions Sarawak Water

SIBU (Jan 21): Residents in Durin continue to live in limbo as a prolonged water supply disruption entered its third day, severely affecting their daily lives.

Democratic Action Party (DAP) Dudong Baru branch Stanley Chiew said the renaming of Sibu Water Board to the Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (Central Region) was meant to signal institutional reform and improved service delivery.

“However, in reality, it has proven to be nothing more than old wine in a new bottle ― or even worse,” he said in a statement.

Chiew said while the name has changed, there has been no improvement in efficiency and accountability.

“So I ask, what is the meaning of changing the name at all? What is even more disappointing is that, up to today, the authorities have completely failed to clearly explain the real cause of this incident.

“What exactly went wrong? How long will it take before full water supply is restored? These most basic pieces of information have not been explained to the residents by this water company under the GPS government,” he said.

Chiew was referring to the water supply disruption in the Lusok town area of Durin since Jan 16, which has also severely affected boarding students at local primary and secondary schools.

He said the service team of Lanang MP Alice Lau assisted in delivering clean drinking water to the schools after receiving complaints over the disruption.

Chiew stressed that the residents are not demanding much, but merely want clear explanations on the cause of the problem and a realistic timeline for its resolution so they can plan their daily lives and work.

“However, what the people are facing now is only endless waiting and silent indifference,” Chiew said.

He added that large-scale water disruptions in Sibu have gradually become the norm rather than the exception.

“They occur repeatedly, reflecting not accidental failures but long-term mismanagement.

“In recent years, densely populated residential areas in Sibu have taken turns experiencing low water pressure.

“Burst pipes happen every few days, and water cuts and low pressure have become common occurrences,” he explained.

Chiew also criticised some GPS assemblymen for frequently speaking about major development plans while remaining silent on basic livelihood issues.

“Development and infrastructure are important. But the well-being of the people is the most basic and fundamental responsibility of any government.

“Water supply is a basic necessity for daily living.

“Disruptions affect households, businesses and schools, hindering routine activities such as cooking, cleaning and normal operations,” he said.

Referring to Sarawak Water’s announcements, Chiew noted that many low-pressure areas are now dependent on water tankers.

“This can only be a temporary emergency measure, not a long-term solution. It also places additional burdens on the people and wastes public resources,” he said.

Many residents are at work during the day and cannot collect water when the tankers arrive.

“The elderly and women are forced to carry heavy water upstairs, suffering greatly.

“Some residents even have to spend extra money to buy bottled water just to meet their most basic daily needs,” he said.

Chiew called on Sarawak Central Region Water Supply Company to publicly explain the real cause of the disruption to clearly announce repair progress and an expected timetable for the full restoration of water supply.

He questioned the government’s ability to speak about governance and development if it is unable to ensure a stable and reliable water supply for the public.