MIRI: Pressing water supply issues affecting several villages in the Mulu constituency were raised at a recent meeting, particularly long-standing problems that have been repeatedly raised by local residents.
These matters were discussed at the Water Supply Meeting for the Mulu constituency, chaired by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala.
He said among the issues deliberated was the water supply problem in Kampung Pa Ukat, Bario.
Also highlighted was the issue of extending water supply to Kampung Baru Bario, which still relies entirely on a gravity feed system, as well as water supply problems involving the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) plant in Long Lio Mato.
Gerawat, who is Mulu assemblyman said the meeting also discussed SAWAS water supply issues in the Seridan area, an application to upgrade the water supply system in Long Banga, issues involving the contractor responsible for maintaining the Bario Water Treatment Plant that have directly affected local residents, and water supply problems in Poyut, Lubok Nibong, Marudi.
“I therefore urge the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to take these matters seriously, as the water supply situation in these areas has become increasingly critical and is affecting the daily lives of the people,” he said in a Facebook post.
Following the meeting, Gerawat said several immediate actions had been agreed upon, and that JBALB will visit Kampung Pa Ukat on Tuesday (Feb 10) to assess the actual situation on the ground.
He said regarding the water supply issue in Lio Mato, JBALB had informed that a site visit was carried out in August 2025, and its management has proposed that the SAWAS Lio Mato plant be maintained under the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) operating budget, which is still pending finalisation.
“Meanwhile, for the SAWAS water supply issue in Seridan, JBALB will consider the construction of a new intake, and as a short-term solution, JBALB Miri has applied for the supply of polyethylene pipes to connect to the gravity feed source,” he said.
On a related matter, he said to repair the water supply system in Long Banga, JBALB Miri has received the project approval memo and will submit a cost estimate for the repair works under the SAWAS operating allocation.
“As for the contractor issue in Bario, JBALB has contacted the contractor involved and stressed that maintenance services must be carried out more effectively, in the interest of the affected residents.
“I will continue to monitor developments and ensure that all relevant agencies take immediate and effective action, as clean water supply is a basic necessity and cannot be compromised,” he stressed.
