Stakan water tanks to be completed within 12 months

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak government is fast-tracking efforts to address critical water supply needs in the Stakan constituency, with construction set to begin soon on two high-capacity water tanks, each with a capacity of 4.5 million litres, at a construction cost of RM30.5 million.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi has tasked the Land and Survey Department to expedite site approvals, highlighting the project’s critical nature.

With government funding already allocated, Julaihi said he has directed the Kuching Water Board (KWB) to complete the construction within 12 months, halving the original timeline.

“I have instructed the Land and Survey Department to prioritise approvals for the two sites required to build these high-level tanks in the constituency.

“With funding already in place, this project will move forward under the KWB, with completion targeted within 12 months instead of the originally planned 24 months.

“They have committed to completing both tanks for Stakan within this accelerated 12-month period,” he assured.

He said this during a press conference after attending a briefing on projects under Kuching Water Board (KWB), Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) at the Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA) Samarahan Branch here today.

In tandem with this effort, Julaihi assured that temporary solutions are being developed to alleviate current water supply shortages for residential areas in Stakan constituency.

In partnership with local assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim and Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang who is also the Kota Samarahan MP, he said the ministry is identifying suitable locations for interim water tanks to be stationed.

“We have agreed on setting up several temporary water tanks across strategic locations within the area.

“These will serve immediate needs, especially in housing estates affected by current disruptions, while permanent tanks are being completed,” he added.

Rubiah echoed the importance of the initiative, highlighting its value for residential communities.

She stated that temporary tanks would mitigate challenges faced by residents, offering a readily available water source until the high-level tanks are operational.

Meanwhile, Julaihi took the opportunity to visit the Samarindah residential area, where the proposed water supply upgrade project is awaiting approval.

If the green light is given, the site will be home to the two much-needed high-level water tanks, promising a significant boost in local water access.

He also made a stop at Sekolah Kebangsaan Binyu to inspect the Point of Presence (POP) 2 project, which aims to enhance digital connectivity for the surrounding community.