Sarawak achieves 85.4 pct water supply coverage, says minister

KUCHING (Nov 2): Sarawak has achieved 85.4 per cent of water supply coverage, said Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.

He said this reflected the state’s full commitment to providing essential needs for the community and such achievement augurs well for the state’s target of full water supply coverage by 2030.

In a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, he highlighted the Kuching Water Board’s (KWB) essential role in balancing water supply and demand amid Sarawak’s rapid population growth and emphasised this role must be maintained.

“The Kuching Water Board must be better prepared and resilient to face future challenges, adopting dynamic and productive approaches in managing treated water supply.

“The sufficient water resources in our country should not make us complacent in addressing issues and challenges related to water management,” he said at the KWB’s Excellent Service Awards 2023 and Retiree Recognition 2024 appreciation dinner held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Friday.

Julaihi believed that KWB would remain committed to strengthening its role in providing quality and continuous treated water for Sarawakians.

He noted that this commitment was echoed in KWB’s special recognition for employees, who had made outstanding contributions to the institution throughout their service.

The Sebuyau assemblyman was delighted that KWB is celebrating its 65th anniversary since its establishment in 1959.

At the dinner, 49 KWB employees received the Excellent Service Awards 2023 and 19 retirees for 2024 also celebrated their retirement during the ceremony.

Among those present were Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.