Treated water supply coverage in Sarawak at 85.4 pct to date, says Julaihi

KUCHING (July 6): Treated water supply coverage in Sarawak to date is at 85.4 per cent, said Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.

He said out of 431 water supply projects funded by the Sarawak government, 288 projects or 67 per cent have been completed, 44 projects or 10 per cent are under construction while another 99 projects or 23 per cent are in the planning process.

“These projects have significant impact in dealing with serious water supply problems especially in the rural areas throughout Sarawak.

“The projects have also helped to increase water supply coverage especially in rural areas from 61.9 per cent in 2018 to the present 70.5 per cent.

“To date, the water supply coverage for the whole of Sarawak is at 85.4 per cent,” he said in a statement today.

He revealed that 304 of the 431 water supply projects are implemented under the RM4 billion Alternative Funding by the Sarawak government since 2018.

From that 304, 86 per cent or 262 projects have been completed, 13 per cent (38 projects) are currently under construction while one per cent (four projects) are still in the planning stage.

He added that 127 other projects were implemented after the Sarawak government had approved the allocation ceiling of RM809 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

On a related matter, Julaihi said the Sarawak government is also funding the upgrade and replacement of 2,742km of old and dilapidated water pipes throughout the state.

He revealed the implementation is in phases with an allocation of RM1.085 billion through the Alternative Funding.

From this allocation, he said RM247 million has been disbursed this year for immediate implementation of some projects, and he is optimistic that those can be completed according to schedule.

“The agencies under the ministry and myself will always strive to implement all projects that have been planned and deal with water supply problems faced by the people.

“I call on all of us to work together to realise the plans that have been made,” he said.

Julaihi explained the implementation of these projects is very important to ensure water supply facilities and coverage throughout Sarawak can be improved in line with the Sarawak Water Supply and Water Grid Master Plan and Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

He also expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak government led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his support and always understanding and concerned with the needs of the people, especially regarding water supply.