RM312.97 mln Engkilili plant to boost Sri Aman water supply

SRI AMAN: Sri Aman’s treated water supply capacity is set for a major boost with the construction of the RM312.97 million New Engkilili Water Treatment Plant.

Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the new plant will have a production capacity of 75 million litres of treated water per day upon completion.

He said the project is aimed at meeting growing water demand in Sri Aman and surrounding areas while strengthening support for the existing Bayai Water Treatment Plant.

“The provision of clean and treated water remains among the Sarawak government’s top priorities in efforts to improve the people’s wellbeing.

“Water supply is not merely a daily basic necessity, but also an important catalyst for economic development, public health and the overall quality of life of the community,” he said in a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).

He said this during a working visit to the project site on Friday (Sept 25).

Construction of the plant began in May last year and is scheduled for completion in May 2028.

The project is fully funded by the Sarawak government through the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, with the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) as the implementing agency.

Julaihi said the project will continue to be closely monitored to ensure it remains on schedule.

He added that cooperation among the ministry, JBALB, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders is crucial to ensure smooth implementation.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh said various technologies and approaches should continue to be explored to expand access to clean water.

The Batang Ai assemblyman also urged the public to protect rivers and water sources to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

“With this project in place, it is hoped that all residents will enjoy the benefits of clean and treated water supply,” he said.

Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa, meanwhile, stressed that the treatment plant must be supported by a comprehensive distribution network.

“A completed plant without a comprehensive distribution network will not deliver the impact expected by the people,” he said.