THE Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) initiative has provided clean water to approximately 2,600 households in 79 villages and longhouses in rural areas.
Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said this off-grid project aims to deliver clean water to communities who are unable to connect to the main water grid.
He said it is estimated that an additional 1,300 villages and longhouses in rural areas will receive water supply through this initiative.
“To accelerate the implementation of water supply projects across Sarawak, the Ministry is exploring the use of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) for the implementation of both the Non-Revenue Water (NRW) program and the SAWAS initiative in rural areas.
“My ministry together with the State Treasury Department and water supply agencies, is currently evaluating the implementation methods for these projects,” he said when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the DUN on Monday (Dec 1).
In the meantime, while awaiting the completion of the main water treatment plants as outlined in the Master Plan, the Ministry, through the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), has introduced the Acute Water Treatment Plant initiative.
“This serves as a transitional solution to address the immediate water supply shortages in critical areas until the full grid system is established.
Currently, 16 Acute Water Treatment Plants are operational, providing an additional 91 million litres per day (MLD) of capacity to existing water treatment plants in areas like Sematan, Lundu, Sungai Serin Serian, Lingga, Pusa, and Kanowit.
“These plants ensure a stable and sufficient water supply for the communities facing critical shortages.
“We are also planning to install eight more Acute Water Treatment Plants in areas such as Puncak Borneo, Sebangan, Sebuyau , Pantu, Balai Ringin, Nibong Tada, Rantau Panjang, and Suai to further address water supply issues,” he said.
