BINTULU: A total of 46 high-impact water supply projects worth about RM766 million are currently being implemented to improve the infrastructure and water supply system here.
In a report from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the projects are implemented by the Sarawak government through MUT and the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) as well as the federal government through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).
“All these projects are implemented to accommodate the growing demand for water supply in Bintulu,” he told a press conference after visiting the JBALB office Bintulu Division, recently.
Abdul Rahman said 29 water supply projects worth around RM216 million have been completed while nine projects with a cost of RM130 million are still in the construction phase and show a positive development.
There are eight projects totalling about RM421 million still in the planning phase.
According to Abdul Rahman, the implementation of these projects is expected to boost the socioeconomic status of the local community here and bring more catalysts in terms of sustainable economic growth as well as better quality of life for the people here.
“JBALB will ensure that all projects that are currently being implemented will be completed within the specific time frame.
“Each of these projects is part of the Sarawak Water Supply Grid System which is inspired by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to solve the issue of water supply effectively and comprehensively,” he said.
Also present were Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, Bintulu Resident Nyurak Keti, Sebauh District Officer William Manggoi and others.
Abdul Rahman then visited the Maskat Booster Pump Station and the Maskat Storage Water Tank which is expected to be completed in June 2023.
The project for both facilities costing approximately RM37 million will help in increasing the coverage of clean water supply as well as benefiting water users along the Bintulu-Miri road (Pan Borneo Highway to Malaysian Rubber Board).
