ROBAN: The state government will soon expand the Betong Division’s water supply grid with the installation of about 100 kilometres of pipelines under a RM182.5-million project.
Utility and Telecommunication Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said this is intended to ensure a continuous supply of high-quality treated water to rural residents.
He explained that the installation of more than 100 kilometres of pipelines aims to expand water supply coverage and comprehensively and effectively resolve supply issues.
“Accordingly, the Betong Division’s water grid will be expanded when a 100-kilometre stretch of pipelines of various sizes is installed soon from the Kaki Wong Water Treatment Plant under a RM182.5-million contract from the Sarawak Government.
“The project is expected to start in November and be completed within 36 months,” Julaihi said when officiating the new Lichok Water Treatment Plant (Akut System) with 10 MLD capacity here on Sunday.
On the Akut System at the Lichok Water Treatment Plant, he stressed that it has increased the existing plant’s capacity to 25 MLD for the Kabong, Kalaka and Krian areas.
“The existing plant had only 15 MLD capacity. With the Akut System now completed, the Lichok Water Treatment Plant can produce up to 25 MLD of clean water.
“I have officiated the new facility, where works began in February 2025 at a cost of around RM28.8 million, involving the construction of the 10 MLD Akut System and installation of a 450-millimetre HDPE pipeline over five kilometres from Lichok WTP to the Bukit Lebur Reservoir.
“It benefits about 6,700 households in Kabong, Krian and Kalaka, and ensures a more consistent supply of treated water,” he said.
Also present were Senator Pele Peter Tinggom; Kabong’s State Assemblyman, Datuk Mohd Chee Kadir; Kalaka’s State Assemblyman, Mohamad Duri; Krian’s State Assemblyman, Friday Belik; Rural Water Supply Department’s (JBALB) Director, Datuk Ir Ts Awang Mohd Fadillah Awang Redzuan; Kabong District Officer, Tahir Mohd Shariee; and JBALB’s Betong Divisional Water Engineer, Tay Chiew Teck.
