KUCHING: The alternative water infrastructure enhancement is now underway to address long-standing supply disruptions affecting residents in the Jagoi and Krokong areas.
The project, which involves the laying of an alternative main water pipeline stretching from the Bau junction traffic lights to the Pejiru Booster Station, is expected to significantly improve water pressure, reliability, and distribution efficiency for thousands of households.
The upgrade works, implemented by the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) with state government support, come in response to years of complaints from communities experiencing low water pressure, inconsistent supply during peak hours, and difficulties during festive seasons and prolonged dry spells.
Many families, particularly those living at higher elevations in Jagoi and the interior parts of Krokong, have frequently faced challenges accessing adequate treated water for daily needs.
Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the upgrade project was a promise made to the people, especially those in Jagoi, Gumbang, and Padang Pan in Krokong.
He explained that residents in these areas have been affected by the low supply of treated water due to high usage and an existing reservoir that could not accommodate the surge in demand.
“So the only solution is to provide an alternative pipeline and additional pressure. That’s why the state government approved a budget of RM7 million for JBALB to implement this project, while the tendered cost is about RM5 million.
“The contractor has started work, and today we are launching the project. Hopefully, within five months—before Gawai—we will have a sufficient water supply,” he said after the launch, witnessing the handover of the site from JBALB to the contractor.
Henry, who is the Tasik Biru assemblyman, said the new pipeline would supply an additional two million litres per day (2MLD) of treated water to the existing reservoir at Pejiru.
Upon completion of the project, he added, there will be two pipelines from Bau—one on each side of the road—to cater for treated water supply to the Jagoi and Krokong areas.
He also noted that the reservoir would support water supply to the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) complex in Serikin.
Henry expressed hope that the alternative pipeline would resolve the water woes, ensuring uninterrupted supply in the area. “Even if the old pipe leaks, the new pipeline will maintain pressure.
“This means we won’t have problems with water pressure, as the new pipe will build up the necessary pressure.
“This is a highly technical solution, but it is how we solve the problem to prevent water shortages and cut-offs, especially during festive seasons.
“This has been an issue for years, and today, hopefully, we are resolving it. The new pipeline should be ready within five months,” he said.
Henry stated that about 3,000 people in the Jagoi and Krokong areas will benefit from this project, with the number potentially reaching 5,000 during festive seasons, particularly when the ICQS in Serikin is fully operational.
He said the project is not only significant but also timely, and it represents a practical way to address the problem rather than merely voicing complaints on social media.
“The most important thing is to solve the problems faced by the people. That is the work of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government,” he said.
Henry, who has been a vocal advocate for the pipeline upgrade, said the project reflects the government’s commitment to improving essential services in both suburban and rural areas.
Also present at the launch were Bau District Officer Eddy Nawoi, JBALB Assistant Divisional Water Engineer (Development) Siet Ung Wu, and Law Pang Si Construction managing director Andrew Gan.
