ASAJAYA: The state government has allocated RM2.8 million to tackle water issues in the state, said Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
He was speaking at a community programme organised by Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) at Kampung Tanjung Kelaso Community Hall, Asajaya, Samarahan yesterday.
“The government and the department are currently finding ways to solve water supply issues in rural areas,” he said.
Rundi added that he visited Kpg Tanjung Kelaso last year and again yesterday to address water supply issues in the village.
Kpg Tanjung Kelaso is now considered a dry area.
He also mentioned that by 2030, Sarawak was expected to have clean water supply through the implementation of a water supply master plan.
“The plan has already started with the implementation of piping systems in some parts of Kota Samarahan to allow clean water supply to reach the rural areas.
“In fact, the chief minister has allocated RM2.8 million to tackle water issues. He also told me that he wanted to ensure that there are no water supply problems in the near future,” Rundi said.
He added that Kampung Tanjung Kelaso was supposed to receive six water pumps which should be ready for use by this September.
However, after negotiating with the director of JBALB, the pumps were brought in by air.
“It is impossible for the villagers to wait until September as the festive seasons like Gawai and Hari Raya Puasa are coming soon. That is why the villagers have water now,” he said.
The state government is paying 59 sen to Kuching Water Board for one litre of water which costs 99 sen while the villagers need only to pay 40 sen.
“JBALB also contributed to the payment and has paid around RM6.4 million to Kuching Water Board (KWB) for supplying water to the rural areas,” he said.
Rundi also told the villagers that he knew how it felt like to have no water. Hence, he reminded the villagers to heed to department’s advice to use water properly and not to waste it.
“We are all responsible for taking care of the water because there are two things in life that are important, namely, oxygen and water. Without water and oxygen, we cannot survive,” he said.
The programme was an initiative to strengthen the bond with the community of Kpg Tanjung Kelaso and through it, the community is able to voice out their problems regarding water supply in their area to JBALB.
It is also a platform for JBALB to share its plans and actions taken to deal with water supply issues.
Among those present at the programme were Water Supply Deputy Minister Datuk Liwan Lagang, Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris, Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo, JBALB director Chang Kuet Shian and Samarahan Resident Brahim Lumpu.
