SIBU: Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi has urged contractors to report any leakages or damages caused during construction works instead of concealing them.
He stressed that despite the efforts by the ministry and agencies to ensure there is no interruption in water supply through various projects, there are still cases where leakages are caused by construction works carried out by third parties from time to time.
“Therefore, we hope that any parties carrying out construction works, especially in areas involving our distribution pipelines, will implement strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Please follow the SOPs and cooperate with our water agencies when leakages occur due to damage. I believe the damage is not intentional. So please do not hide the damages.
“Please inform us about the damage so that appropriate action can be taken. Do not wait for the residents to complain to us, as it will definitely not end well (due to public anger over the disruption),” he said in his speech at the Sibu Water Board (SWB) Hari Raya gathering held at a hotel here last night (Apr 25).
Meanwhile, regarding the water supply project under SWB, Julaihi said a total of 30 projects have been approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), with a total project cost amounting to RM697 million.
“We are serious about addressing water issues across Sarawak, not just in Sibu. We are currently implementing the masterplan, and hopefully we can achieve it by 2030, in line with PCDS, where utilities — including water and electricity — are among the key enablers,” he said.
Julaihi stressed that rural water supply coverage remains at 71 per cent compared to over 90 per cent in urban areas, bringing the overall average to 85 per cent.
“For off-grid areas, we will implement the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) project to ensure clean water supply reaches all communities,” he added.
Earlier, SWB General Manager, Abdul Malik Abdullah @ Itin Langit, in his speech, said that out of the 30 projects by SWB approved under 12MP, eight projects have been completed, 11 are on schedule, and another 11 are still in the planning stage.
“Among the early impacts and outcomes of the completed projects are fewer water supply disruptions, improved water pressure, and reduced reliance on water delivery via tanker trucks,” he said.
