KOTA SAMARAHAN: Deputy Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Datuk Idris Buang visited Kampung Sungai Mata and Kampung Tanjung Parang on Sunday (May 25) to personally assess the ongoing water supply disruption that has been affecting residents.
Idris, who is also the Muara Tuang assemblyman, met with villagers to explain the causes behind the prolonged issue and to outline immediate and long-term measures being undertaken by the authorities.
He said the water supply problems stemmed primarily from low water pressure and possible undetected pipe leakages, which have disrupted flow to several homes.
“As a short-term relief measure, every affected household will be provided with a water tank to ease their burden while repair works are carried out,” he said.
To ensure continued water access, eight static tanks have been installed at strategic points in Kampung Sungai Mata.
He said clean water is being delivered regularly by tankers through the joint efforts of the Kuching Water Board (KWB) and the Muara Tuang Early Response Team.
KWB is also actively detecting leaks using both conventional and modern technologies to expedite repair works.
“Pipe connection and repair efforts are already in progress and are expected to improve water pressure once completed. The entire project is targeted for completion by the end of 2025,” Idris added.
For long-term resolution, he said three major infrastructure projects are being implemented under the Samarahan Division Water Supply System Upgrading Programme.
These include the ongoing upgrading of Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant No. 4, which has reached 6.4 percent physical progress; the construction of two Elevated Water Tanks (ALT) in Samarindah, scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025; and the laying of a 1,000-millimetre main pipeline from Batu 7 to Samajaya and onward to the Entingan Tank, which will significantly enhance water distribution capacity in the region.
He said repair works on the main distribution pipeline from Kampung Meranek to Kampung Tanjung Parang are in the tendering stage and expected to commence by August this year.
