BAU: Residents of Kampung Apar, Kampung Segong, Kampung Barieng and Kampung Tabung in Singai area here are now enjoying a reliable water supply following the completion of key upgrading works.
Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the new booster pump at Kampung Singai Apar, implemented through under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), has been completed and officially handed over to the Rural Water Supply Department (JBLAB), marking the end of years of water pressure issues in the highland settlements.
Speaking to reporters after witnessing the commissioning and testing of the new air-conditioning system at St Stephen’s Parish here today, the Tasik Biru assemblyman said the project has significantly improved water distribution to the expanding villages.
“We have allocated RM3 million to upgrade the existing suction tank at Kampung Apar. Previously, it could only hold 50,000 gallons, but now the capacity has doubled to 100,000 gallons,” he said.
The upgraded facility consists of five newly installed high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tanks together with the existing 2,000-litre tank.
Henry explained that water from the enlarged suction tank is channelled through a new pipeline to the reservoir at Kampung Barieng, which has a storage and distribution capacity of about 700,000 gallons.
The reservoir now supplies treated water to households in Barieng, Apar, Segong and Tabung.
He said the villages have grown substantially over the years, with many families building homes on higher ground where low water pressure previously prevented consistent supply.
“The problem was always in the high-slope areas. The pressure was not strong enough to push water up to the houses. That is why we installed the suction tank and booster pump to increase the pressure,” he said.
Henry said the improvement is evident during this year’s prolonged dry spell, unlike last year when residents frequently voiced complaints on social media over water shortages.
“This year, nobody complained. Thank God, we have resolved the problem,” he said.
He added that the Jagoi area, which is also within his constituency, has also recorded major improvements after leakage repairs and pipeline maintenance works were carried out.
An RM8 million project to lay a new 300mm HDPE pipeline in the Jagoi area is now nearing completion, further strengthening water security for surrounding communities.
“Jagoi and some parts of Singai have settled their water problems. The people in Apar, Segong, Barieng and Tabung are already enjoying the water,” he said.
Henry said the state government will continue expanding the water supply network, with plans to install additional booster pumps in Kampung Bobak and Kampung Senibung, both located in the Singai highlands.
“These are large villages on difficult terrain. During festive seasons, water demand rises sharply, so we cannot stop here. Our priority is to ensure the people have sufficient water,” he added.
He said continuous infrastructure upgrades remain a key reason Bau continues to attract residents and development, as people witness tangible improvements in public amenities and quality of life.
