SELANGAU: The Sarawak government has been urged to take over the long-delayed Rural Clean Water Supply Project, including the construction of a water treatment plant in Sangan, to resolve persistent clean water supply issues affecting residents in the Kakus constituency.
Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai said the RM190 million project was approved by the then Ministry of Rural Development (KKLW) in 2017 but has yet to be implemented.
He said although there had been a proposal to proceed with the project at a reduced cost of about RM136 million, construction had still not commenced and the delay should not continue.
“Clean water is a basic necessity, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. I have raised this matter with the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) so that the Sarawak government can take over the project and implement it as soon as possible,” he said when speaking at the Majlis Bersama Rakyat programme held at Rh Lagat, Ulu Arip, here recently.
Sikie expressed hope that once implemented, the project would be able to supply treated water to Sungai Arip, or alternatively, the area could receive water from the Selangau water supply system.
Meanwhile, he said more than 90 per cent of longhouses in the Kakus constituency are now connected to the electricity grid, while remote areas that are difficult to access have been provided with solar power systems.
He urged any longhouses that have yet to receive electricity supply to submit applications to the District Office so that the necessary follow-up action can be taken.
On community administration, Sikie stressed that the appointment of Tuai Rumah (longhouse chiefs) is not based on political considerations but is decided by the residents of each longhouse.
He also proposed that the Penghulu attend the selection meetings as a witness to ensure the process is transparent and properly conducted.
On a related matter, he highlighted the establishment of the Sibu Economic Zone (SEZ), announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, as a new catalyst for Sarawak’s economic development that is also expected to benefit parts of the Kakus constituency.
During the event, Sikie also pledged a Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant of RM10,000 for the Rh Lagat Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and RM5,000 for the Rh Lagat Women’s Bureau to support community activities.
