SIBU: The Acute Water Treatment Plant project at Sungai Sadit, valued at RM5 million, has been completed and is now fully operational.
Utilities and Telecommunications Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said construction works on the plant which began in September last year has a production capacity of four million litres per day.
“This new facility will help ease the load on the Salim and Bukit Lima water treatment plants.
“Salim is currently producing 150 million litres daily, and this will allow both plants to better focus on serving the Sibu area,” he said when met by reporters after officiating at the launch of the project yesterday.
He added that the plant project at Sungai Sadit, which was completed in just six months, uses a new technology known as braided membrane – the latest technology from Germany.
“This is different from the old system which used sand filters. So this is something we are trying out, and I believe the braided membrane, as we can see here, is very solid,” he added.
He stressed that the project also utilises an automated system which allows it to be remotely controlled.
With the completion of this project, areas around Sungai Sadit will now benefit from a more stable and improved water supply.
Meanwhile, on the water supply coverage in Sibu Division, Julaihi said it currently stands at 87.2 per cent, which he considers to be somewhat lagging.
“Therefore, continuous efforts are underway to ensure a high-quality and sufficient supply for all areas.
“To meet future demand, we are upgrading the Salim plant to increase its capacity to 300 million litres per day and conducting studies to enhance the capacity of the Bukit Lima plant,” he said.
He also emphasised the need to address non-revenue water (NRW), mostly caused by pipe leakages due to ageing infrastructure, soil movement, or accidental damage during construction works.
“I urge all contractors to be more cautious and to report any damage immediately to prevent water supply disruptions,” he said.
Earlier, the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) said the implementation of the project, which is also part of the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and Water Supply Grid System, is a long-term initiative by the Sarawak Government inspired by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to effectively and comprehensively resolve water supply issues.
“To ensure a better and more consistent quality of water supply in the Sibu Division, JBALB Sarawak will ensure that projects currently under implementation are completed within the designated timeframe, thereby expanding water supply coverage and effectively resolving water supply issues,” it said in a statement.
