New water treatment plants to strengthen water security

SEBUYAU: Several new and upgraded water treatment plants are being developed to strengthen water supply security in the Sebuyau and Samarahan areas, particularly during dry spells.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said water currently reaches Sebuyau, Sebangan, Ladong and Tebedu, as well as Kampung Sagu itself, through large pipelines and tanks running from the Batu Kitang treatment plant in Kuching.

He acknowledged that two small treatment plants at Sungai Ular, each producing 3.2 million litres per day (MLD), currently supply Sebuyau, with Batu Kitang water topping up the area’s needs.

Julaihi revealed the state was also seeking alternative raw water sources closer to Samarahan division, but noted that rivers such as Sungai Sadong, Batang Samarahan and Batang Lupar carried saline raw water requiring extensive treatment before it could be used.

He informed that a treatment plant in Sebangan, completed at a cost of RM12 million with a capacity of 5MLD, has been completed, though it faces intermittent shutdowns during rainy periods due to salinity issues at its raw water source.

“Batu Kitang continues to serve as a standby supply during these interruptions,” he said.

A second plant near Sungai Apin, also with a 5MLD capacity, is targeted for completion in October at a cost of RM15 million, and will extend supply to Sebuyau, Sebangan, Sadong Jaya and Selangking.

He added that a new plant approved for Sebuyau, with a 40MLD capacity, will serve Sebuyau, Sebangan, Asa Jaya, and Sadong Jaya through to Simunjan, while a separate 30MLD plant approved at Batu 27, Serian, will serve as backup support for both the Batu Kitang and Slabi treatment plants.

Julaihi said a 20MLD plant is also under construction in Lundu, adding that residents could expect a more comfortable water supply within two to four years as these projects would be completed by then.