AFTER years of enduring low water pressure and unreliable supply, residents in several areas of Kanowit can finally look forward to clean and consistent water access, following the approval of a major water supply project under Rolling Plan 5 of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong announced that the project, which will benefit Majau, Mam, Batu Luking, Poi, and Menalun, is now in the consultant appointment phase and will be implemented by the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).
“Once completed, this long-overdue project is expected to benefit 754 households, including 43 longhouses and three schools,” he said when speaking in support of the motion of appreciation to the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s address at the State Legislative Assembly today.
He stressed the urgency of the matter and called on the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication to expedite the implementation, particularly at the value management stage, as the project carries a price tag exceeding RM50 million.
“Any delay will only prolong the suffering of residents who rely on clean water for daily use and during festive occasions. This project must be prioritised,” he added.
In a separate proposal, Allan also called for the upgrading and repurposing of the Kanowit Bus Terminal located at the town’s pasar tamu into a full-fledged Kanowit Economic Centre (KEC).
He said the rapid growth in Kanowit’s population and economic activity had led to increased demand for better commercial spaces and government service kiosks.
“The proposed transformation, to be funded by the Sarawak government, would include office spaces, retail kiosks, and commercial lots to support a variety of businesses and agencies,” he explained.
Besides driving economic development, the KEC would also uplift Kanowit’s urban profile, increase local council revenue, and generate more job opportunities for the community, Allan said.
