Pulau Bruit water supply project at 91.08 pct progress, set for full completion by Q3 2024

Julaihi (fourth right), Abdullah (second left), and other officials are seen during the working visit to the site in Mukah on June 25, 2024. Photo credit: TVS

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 27: The water supply development project on Pulau Bruit has achieved 91.08 per cent physical progress and is expected to be fully completed by the third quarter of this year.

According to a TVS news report, Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi stated that the contractor is currently conducting testing and commissioning of completed project components, such as the booster pump stations in Serdeng and Saai, before handing them over to Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) for operational purposes.

He also pointed out Sibu Water Board (SWB) is the implementing agency of the ‘Program Grid Bekalan Air—Kawasan Tumpuan Cadangan Bekalan Air Sarawak’ project in Mukah Division.

“This project originally took 18 months, starting on Oct 22, 2020 and completed on April 21, 2022.

“However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, logistical problems, a lack of water for testing and commissioning, and the contractor’s delay, the project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year,” he was quoted as saying.

Julaihi made the remarks during a working visit to the site in Mukah on Tuesday (June 25).

The minister further revealed that the value of the approved project scheme for construction work and site supervision is RM84.4 million.

He also explained that Pulau Bruit, under the jurisdiction of JBALB Mukah, has been experiencing water supply disruptions, especially in the northern areas of Pulau Bruit, including Kampung Penipah, Kampung Tekajung, and Kampung Bruit, due to a lack of treated water.

Therefore, the Sarawak government has taken the initiative to fund the entire project as a long-term solution to address the issue.

Julaihi said once the project is fully completed, JBALB will be able to meet increasing water demands in Pulau Bruit until 2040, which is expected to support a population of up to 16,600 in the area.

“The proposed water supply project for Pulau Bruit was conducted through an open tender before being awarded to the contractor, Mirecont Sdn Bhd, on Sept 25, 2020 for RM64,380,388,” he noted.

Also present was Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol. — DayakDaily