KUCHING: Long-standing water supply issues faced by 18 villages are expected to ease with the implementation of a rural water supply project in the Puncak Borneo constituency.
MP Datuk Willie Mongin has reminded villagers that it is therefore important they cooperate with government agencies and contractors who will implement the project there.
He said the Puncak Borneo Water Supply Phase II project, which has been tendered out recently, aims to address long-standing water supply issues faced by residents, particularly those living in remote and hilly areas in Padawan.
“This rural water supply project is designed to improve the quality of life of villagers in 18 kampungs in Puncak Borneo by providing them with a reliable and safe water source,” he said.
Willie noted that the RM129-million project was originally approved in 2017 but was cancelled by the federal Ministry of Finance during the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government the following year.
The project, however, was reinstated following his appeal to the federal Minister of Rural Development Rina Harun, also during the PH government, in 2019.
Willie said the 18 villages that will benefit from the project — Kpg Petag (70 houses), Kpg Sitang (59), Kpg Bangau (48), Kpg Pesang (74), Kpg Subang (118), Kpg Bukit Nanas (44), Kpg Semeru (48), Kpg Plaman Dunuk (117), Kpg Padus Stubot (23), Kpg Bisira Rayang (39), Kpg Senah Raya (99), Kpg Rudan (29), Kpg Danu (70), Kpg Begu (95), Kpg Nusaraya (21), Kpg Biya kemas (53), Kpg Parang (63), Kpg Assum (39) — currently rely on the untreated gravity-feed system for water.
He believed that the success of the project depends not only on the efficiency of implementing agencies and contractors, but also on the understanding and cooperation of local communities.
He urged villagers to allow smooth access to project sites, including granting permission for work on private land where necessary.
“There may be temporary inconveniences during the construction phase, such as road access disruptions or land use issues.
“I appeal to villagers to be patient and supportive, as these short-term challenges will bring long-term benefits for the community,” he said.
He added that close cooperation would help avoid delays and ensure that the project can be completed according to schedule, enabling residents to enjoy clean water as soon as possible.
According to him, this rural water supply project aligns with the government’s broader agenda to narrow the development gap between urban and rural areas, particularly in Sarawak.
