KUCHING: The RM974.1 million Tanjung Manis Water Supply Project, the construction of which began in November 2013, was finally completed in September last year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the project was delayed due to several technical issues.
“The Sarawak government approved additional allocations provided through an alternative funding formula where we could address the issues and we acquired a new area for water intake in Sg Sadit in Sibu.
“We are not using old technology, namely river-based filtration. This time we take water directly from the intake and then, we send the water to the plant here for treatment before it is supplied to consumers,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating at a Leaders with The People programme and water supply opening ceremony at the Tanjung Manis Water Treatment Plant on Saturday (Feb 17).
Abang Johari said the water supply project can produce up to 50 million litres per day (MLD) of raw water from Sibu to Tanjung Manis, with 30 MLD to people in the surrounding area and 20 MLD for the industries in Tanjung Manis.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government’s policy is to provide basic infrastructure, water and electricity in rural areas.
“This requires a lot of funding. If we depend on the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, sometimes it (funding) comes and sometimes not.
“But, we have a new approach. We have the allocation from Sarawak’s own funds to carry out the projects efficiently,” he said.
The Tanjung Manis Water Supply project consists of eight main components, namely, the construction of the Direct River Water Intake capable of pumping up to 50 million litres of raw water per day from Sg Sadit, Sibu; construction of raw water booster pump station at Sg Sadit, Sibu; installation of raw water pipeline spanning 74km from Sibu to Tanjung Manis; and installation of twin submarine pipes with a diameter of 1100mm crossing seven rivers.
It also involves the construction of a raw water reservoir with a capacity of 89 million liters and construction of booster pump stations in Tanjung Manis; construction of the Tanjung Manis Water Treatment Plant with a capacity of 30 million liters per day; installation of treated water pipeline with a diameter of 1000mm spanning 8km and construction of the Sekumang Booster Pump Station in Tanjung Manis.
The Tanjung Manis Water Treatment Plant started operations on Oct 2, 2023.
Earlier, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said at present, based on current demand, the Tanjung Manis water supply system typically provides between 8 to 13 million litres of treated water per day to the Rural Water Supply Department of Sarawak (JBALB) for distribution to consumers.
“Among the areas benefiting from the completion of this project are Tanjung Manis Town, Kampung Belawai, Kampung Jerijeh, Kampung Rajang, Kampung Serdeng, Kamoung Sedau and Kampung Bekakong,” he said.
Additionally, he said it will also improve the water supply system on Pulau Bruit upon the completion of the proposed Water Supply to Pulau Bruit, Mukah Division project, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of this year,” he said.
On the water supply coverage, Julaihi said it now stands at 85.4 per cent statewide with the rural coverage at nearly 71 per cent.
“In line with the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), my Ministry will continue to intensify efforts to achieve full coverage of water supply in Sarawak by the year 2030,” he said.
