KOTA SAMARAHAN: Water supply issues in Kota Samarahan, including in Kampung Baru, are expected to be resolved within 12 months following a series of improvement measures, including pipe replacement and system upgrades.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang, said while previous issues in Kampung Baru had been addressed, rapid population growth and expanding industrial development have placed fresh strain on the existing system.
“Previously, there were about 500 to 600 houses, but the number has now grown to more than 1,000, which has inevitably affected the water supply system,” she said when met by reporters during the ‘Majlis Ramah Mesra Aidilfitri Kota Samarahan’ event at Dewan Suarah Kota Samarahan today.
She added that nearby industrial development has further increased water demand, contributing to supply instability, particularly in the Kampung Baru area.
To address the issue, several measures have been identified, including a pipe replacement programme approved by the Sarawak Government, involving an allocation of RM300 million for the entire Samarahan Division.
The Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament said the project will not only cover Kampung Baru but also other areas in Kota Samarahan, aimed at improving pipeline alignment and boosting supply capacity.
“During festive seasons such as Hari Raya, water usage increases significantly, including the use of water pumps by residents, which affects supply distribution, especially in the inner parts of the village,” she explained.
To mitigate this, the supply system will be restructured to reduce reliance on a single source, with three main sources to be utilised to improve water inflow into the area.
Additionally, a proposal for the construction of a high-level water tank has been submitted to the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak to support Kampung Baru and nearby industrial zones.
Rubiah said the project is expected to be tendered by the end of April and completed within a year.
She also urged residents to cooperate with the water authorities to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.
