ROBAN: A total of 88.11 kilometres of pipeline in the Betong Division will be replaced over a five-year period ending 2028.
Utilities and Telecommunications Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said the initiative is part of the Sarawak government’s efforts to ensure adequate water supply and upgrade existing treatment plants.
“Betong, like other divisions, will be enhanced through the Betong Division Water Supply Grid System, which will eventually be connected to the grid systems of other divisions.
“Currently, two major treatment plants in Betong Division are being upgraded: the Lubau Water Treatment Plant (to produce 70 million litres per day) and Kaki Wong (to produce 60 million litres per day).
“And 88.11 kilometres of pipeline will be replaced within five years, up to 2028,” he said after officiating at the handover of the completed Kabong Elevated Water Tank project today.
He explained that the Sarawak government has allocated RM52.76 million to implement 51 sub-projects involving pipeline replacement.
He added that 40 projects will commence within the next two years.
The Sebuyau assemblyman noted that once all plants are upgraded and critical systems completed, Betong Division will be capable of producing 174.5 million litres of water daily.
He stressed that the government is taking the improvement of treatment plants and pipeline systems across all regions very seriously.
“We are committed to ensuring clean water is accessible to the people.
“For areas not yet connected to the grid system, the government remains committed to supplying clean water through the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) Project.
“This means that every area will be given due attention, as clean water is a daily necessity that cannot be compromised.
“It is no surprise that the Sarawak government is allocating significant funding, more so because clean water coverage in rural areas currently stands at only about 71 per cent,” he added.
