SWB taking multiple measures to address Durin’s water supply woes

SIBU (Oct 30): The Sibu Water Board (SWB) is addressing the frequency of water supply interruptions in the Durin area with multiple measures.

SWB said the supply interruptions are caused by an existing old pipe leak, which has been worsened due to soil sedimentation in the area.

“This critical situation is also caused by the existing water treatment plant not having reserves margin to cover the increase in water demand in Sibu Division, including areas Durin,” the board said in a statement.

To overcome this problem, SWB said a plant with a capacity of 5 MLD (million litres per day) will be built to increase water supply in the Durin area.

“The construction period will take six months.”

Additionally, SWB said the repair and replacement of old pipes will be carried out regularly in stages to increase water stability in Sibu, including the Durin area.

For this purpose, SWB said RM170 million has been allocated and will be implemented over five years starting this year.

To increase margin reserves and water plant capacity, SWB has started implementing the Salim Plant Upgrade Project from 150 MLD to 300 MLD worth RM300 million funded by the Sarawak government.

This project is expected to be completed at the end of 2026.

“SWB will from time to time detect and make repairs if there is a leak and send water tankers to help the affected area,” said the board.

SWB also called on consumers to immediately report water supply disruptions for repairs and assistance.

For further enquiries, contact SWB on 013-8106311.

On Monday, residents of seven longhouses and dozens of private home owners had appealed 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.

Spokesman Tuai Rumah Bajai Nelson Surau said the residents frequently reported the issue to SWB but their complaints had not been addressed.