Residents appeal to Premier to help solve long-standing water woes

SIBU (Oct 29): Residents of seven longhouses and dozens of private home owners are appealing to the Sarawak government to address the worsening treated water supply issue in Durin Kanan, which has persisted for the past four years.

The affected longhouses are Rumah Bajai Nelson Surau, Rumah Lumbie, Rumah Hendry Sadang, Rumah Ingkok, Rumah Peter Sayong, Rumah Edwin Bana, and Rumah Anthony Luta.

“We seek the intervention of the Sarawak Premier to address this ongoing issue,” said headman Bajai Nelson Surau, as the spokesman of those affected.

He added that the affected residents have not received a drop of treated water for more than six days, unlike during previous instances when they received rationed water for one or two hours, especially after 11pm until early morning.

“We frequently report the issue of frequent interruptions in clean water supply to the Sibu Water Board, but so far, our complaints have not led to a solution, akin to pouring water on a duck’s back,” he said.

The residents expressed doubt on the reasons given by the parties concerned, as they have not seen any pipe connection or repair work in their area.

Even if indeed there were such works, it is unreasonable for the authorities to take up to four years to resolve the issue, said Bajai.

“We have previously raised this issue with the media, appealing to elected representatives and relevant agencies a few months after the last state election but the problem of frequent interruptions in clean water supply persists.”

Bajai noted that the water shortage issue starts from the Durin roundabout to the Kanowit roundabout.

“What is strange is that this problem only occurs in Durin Kanan and not longhouses, private homes, schools, and clinics in Durin Kiba, as well as small shops in Durin itself, where their water supply is always available.

“Even if there are broken pipe issues as claimed by the parties, why is water flowing from our taps for one or two hours, especially after midnight, but it stops around 8am until 10pm or 11pm?”

Bajai also pointed out that the blue or gray tanks provided by the government are not helpful during this drought season as there is no rain water for residents to collect for daily use.

“Currently, we rely on the goodwill of residents in the small town of Durin to get water for drinking and cooking, as we have not received any bottled water supply from any party,” he said, adding that it is very burdensome for them to buy bottled drinking water.

“Therefore, we challenge any party denying our clean water supply woes to stay in these longhouses for a day or more to experience the suffering of having no water at your home taps.”

The shortage of water becomes a major issue during events such as funerals or weddings, causing difficulty in preparing and providing food and drinks for many guests.

“That is why we in Durin Kanan do not hold major events inviting dignitaries due to the severe water problem,” Bajai said, adding that they do not have streams as alternative source of water.

When asked why they did not seek help for water delivery by road tankers, he said it makes no difference as they have to pay for the water which is added to their bill.

“Even if contacted, they do not come immediately but arrive late or the next day,” he said.

At the same time, he said water bills have been consistently received over the past four years, despite the ongoing clean water issues.

“To the Honourable Premier, we appeal for our problem to be resolved immediately, as only the Premier can be relied upon at this time,” he said.