KUCHING: All consumers must play their role to conserve water in the face of the current dry spell. Utilities Ministry, in a recent press statement, said if no conservation efforts are made, water shortage can get prolonged, especially for those in the coastal areas.
On the government’s part, the ministry has directed the water supply authorities to be on alert in the event of drought.
“All of them (authorities) have in place drought contingency plans which will be activated for the areas affected. They will also liaise closely with the Resident’s Office and Sarawak Welfare Department when the need arises,” the statement added.
According to the statement, at present, the water supply situation for Kuching area is normal. With the completion of the Bengoh Dam, the impounded reservoir has enough storage volume to tide over a drought of more than three months.
On the safety of the dam, based on findings by an independent third-party reviewer, the structure is sound and its overall stability is intact. Remedial grouting works on the dam were completed in September last year.
No water supply areas under Sibu Water Board are currently affected by drought related problems. The sea water limit in Batang Rajang is still kept at safe distance from the Salim and Bukit Lima raw water intake points. The water board is monitoring the movement of the river salinity closely.
“For Bintulu, Samalaju, Miri and Limbang areas under Laku Management Sdn Bhd, the water supply situation is normal. The capacities of the raw water sources and water treatment works are still within the normal operating ranges.
“In the case of areas under the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), the current water supply situation is under control and water supply delivered to consumers is adequate. JBALB will continue to monitor the water supply situation in the areas under their jurisdiction and when necessary activate their drought contingency plans,” said the statement.
The ministry would also ensure that all water supply authorities are committed to ensuring that any water supply disruption caused by drought will be attended to promptly.
Meanwhile, water tankers will be used to deliver water to affected areas as an immediate relief measure during such occurrences.
