SIBU: Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi has dismissed allegations by some parties that there is no long-term water supply plan for Sibu.
He said those who claim as such were ignorant of the water supply development projects undertaken by his ministry, and that such perceptions could mislead the public.
“I wish to emphasise here that we have meticulous plans to develop the water supply system in Sibu, specifically through the Second Sibu Water Supply Master Plan Study, 2013, and the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and Water Grid, 2021, which cover the whole of Sarawak, including Sibu Division.
“These master plans outline the development of Sarawak’s water supply until the years 2025, 2040, and 2070, encompassing three strategic pillars: water demand; water treatment and distribution; and the quality and adequacy of both raw and treated water,” he said.
He said this to reporters at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Salim Treatment Plant Upgrading from 150 million litres per day (MLD) to 300 MLD at Sibu Water Board (SWB) here Monday (June 24).
He also said that the masterplan aims to develop a water grid system that includes raw water sources, treatment, and distribution, connecting all major plants across Sarawak to form a continuous water grid system.
Julaihi stressed that the masterplan took some time to complete; hence, the public should be patient.
“While waiting for the project to be completed, the ‘Non-Revenue Water Reduction Works and Services for Sibu Water Board’ project began last April for a period of 24 months.
“It aimed to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) by 10-15 MLD so that these savings can be channelled to users,” he added.
He also emphasised that, according to the Water Supply Regulations, 1995, water supply agencies in Sarawak are only responsible for supplying water and maintaining water supply facilities up to the premises’ water meters.
“Issues with water supply within premises caused by poorly maintained pumps and water tanks, as well as pipe leaks within premises, are the responsibility of the premises’ owners,” he added.
Also present were Julaihi’s deputy Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.
