SEBUYAU: The Ministry of Utilities assured it will solve the problem of rural water supply in critical areas identified by the state, especially coastal areas.
Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom acknowledged that the problem of water supply especially in the rural areas has long been noted and an immediate solution is needed.
“Now, the pipeline is old, the population has increased but the capacity of the water treatment plant is not enough to meet the demand and there are also plants that have not been able to receive water especially in remote areas, coastal areas and rural areas,” he said.
According to Rundi, to address the problem of rural water supply, his ministry will use various measures including building the state water grid.
“The Chief Minister has given us the funds to build the state water grid and the critical areas have been identified, as well as the costs required, so we are confident the water grid will solve the problem of water supply in the rural areas soon,” Rundi said.
He said this during a ‘Special Briefing on Water Supply’ in Sebuyau together with Assistant Minister of Coastal Road Datuk Julaihi Narawi at Sebuyau Sub-District Office yesterday. Rundi said the main problem of water supply in Sebuyau was due to the old pipeline and the inadequate distribution system.
“We have a water treatment plant and once in a while we are doing necessary repairs. In carrying out the water supply plan in Sebuyau, we will also adjust it with the state water grid to be built.
“When the grid is in place, the next major plan is the distribution, and I hope all the people involved in this pipeline routes will be able to give full cooperation,” he said.
Rundi explained that the problem of water supply in the Sebuyau area is similar to the problems occuring in the Pusa and Kabong areas, but in Sebuyau the situation may be slightly better than elsewhere.
Currently, the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) has already made a master plan in solving water supply problems for Sebuyau area.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Water Supply Datuk Liwan Lagang, Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Utilities Dato Ir. Alice Jawan and Samarahan Division Resident Ibrahim Lumpu.
