KUCHING: A delegation led by Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, attended a five-day conference World Water Congress from 11 to 15 September 2022 organised by the International Water Association (IWA).
The theme of the conference was “Water for Smart Liveable Cities” and approximately 3800 delegates from 102 countries attended the Conference with 330 exhibitors.
According to a spokesperson in a press statement here today, IWA is a world recognized body benchmark for reference by the water and sanitation industry.
He said the biennial Conference brings together water professionals and re-connect the waterconsuming industry, agriculture, architects and urban planners, hydrologists and soil and groundwater experts, social sciences, ICT-sector, the financial sector and others towards achieving the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals.
He added that the Congress recognized the importance of sustainable management of water resources towards climatic changes which will have big impact on water security.
“This requires global efforts for new solutions through shared experiences and challenges. It provides solutions for the complex water management problems today and for the future that requires a focus on integrated water management that bridges the gap between policies and practices,” he said.
Meanwhile, Julaihi said the Conference was timely and relevant as Sarawak’s water industry is undergoing transformational changes.
“We are implementing the Sarawak-wide water grid system, establishing a water supply single-entity and a corporate body as Regulator, and embracing digitalization” said Julaihi.
“All these initiatives aim toward a development of a resilient water supply system. By acquiring global knowledges and experiences, we hope to put in place a system that is reliable, economical and sustainable throughout Sarawak to uplift the economy and social well-beings of the Rakyat.
“This is in line with initiatives under our Post Covid Development Strategy or PCDS 2030” added Julaihi.
The delegation led by Julaihi were comprised Deputy Minister for Utility, Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister for Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif and Senior Officers from Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development, water and other related agencies.
