New sewage system almost done

THE Kuching Centralised Sewage System Package 2 is expected to be completed by July 20.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian said that the project, which costs RM750 million, began on September 15, 2017.

“It covers Kampung Gita, part of Jalan Matang, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakub, and Padungan areas,” Dr. Sim said during his Ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Tuesday.

Dr. Sim, who also serves as the Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Minister, reported that the project is 90 per cent complete, reflecting a 7 per cent delay.

“The contractor has implemented a catch-up plan to reduce the delay,” he added.

Dr. Sim also said that the federal government has approved Kuching Centralised Sewerage System Package 3, valued at RM382 million.

“The appointment of the civil and structural consultant is in progress. Physical works are expected to commence next year,” he said.

In related news, Dr. Sim provided an update on the Miri Centralised Sewerage System. Phase 1, valued at RM428 million, began on March 30, 2017.

“It has a capacity of 50,000 population equivalents to cover the Central Business District of Miri City, and we have completed all the main works of the project. We are now decommissioning the existing septic tanks and switching over to the centralised system,” he said.

With robust collaboration from property owners, Dr. Sim said, the switch-over works are progressing smoothly, and the system is expected to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2024.

“In 2022, the federal government approved Miri Centralised Sewerage System Phase 2, with a scheme value of RM450 million. This phase will accommodate another 50,000 population equivalents and will primarily cover the residential areas in Piasau, Pujut, and Krokop. The design work is progressing well, and we plan to call for tender by the end of this year,” he said.