KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak Government has approved more than RM300 million to upgrade and replace ageing water pipes here, including Kampung Baru, which has been facing frequent water supply disruptions.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang said the allocation, approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is aimed at replacing outdated infrastructure to improve water pressure and reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which remains at a high level.
“The project has undergone the tendering process and is expected to be awarded at the end of this month; its implementation will take 12 months, and the government is confident that the use of the new piping systems and meters will significantly improve the quality of the water supply.
“At the same time, this effort also focuses on reducing the rate of water loss within the distribution system, therefore allowing the issues to be addressed more effectively,” she said after conducting a site visit in Kampung Baru here yesterday ( Apr 3).
Rubiah, who is also Kota Samarahan MP, assured that the government will closely monitor the progress of the project to ensure residents receive a stable and sufficient water supply.
During the visit, Rubiah and representatives from the Kuching Water Board (KWB), along with district authorities, found that the water supply issues were mainly due to rapid population growth and an ageing piping system that is no longer able to meet current demand.
She added that although the installation of new pipes in Kampung Baru is nearly complete, several areas are still experiencing disruptions, particularly due to low water pressure.
In a related development, Rubiah said previously stalled pipe reconnection works have now been completed despite earlier setbacks, including pipe theft, which delayed progress ahead of the recent festive season.
“During the Hari Raya celebrations, water had to be supplied via tankers. However, this method faced constraints in terms of reaching certain areas due to the narrow roads in Kampung Baru,” she explained.
She noted that other challenges include difficulties in locating old underground pipes and the close proximity of houses, which complicate maintenance and upgrading works.
