SIBU: The Sarawak government has decided to fund the construction cost of the Salim Water Treatment Plant Upgrading from 150 million litres per day (MLD) to 300 MLD, amounting to RM291.4 million.
Utilities and Telecommunications Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said the fund includes site supervision and land acquisition costs.
“The project is being undertaken by the Sibu Water Board, with an approved project scheme valued at RM300 million, and design phase works funded through a federal loan amounting to RM8.6 million,” he said.
He said this to reporters at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project at Sibu Water Board (SWB) here Monday (June 24).
He said the project commenced on May 20 with a 30-month contract period, and that completion is expected in 2026.
“The treatment plant is one of the anchor water treatment plants under the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and Water Grid for the central zone of Sarawak, which will support water needs not only in Sibu but also in rural areas such as Kanowit, Selangau, Maradong, Rassau, Machan, Nibong Tada, and surrounding areas,” he added.
He said currently SWB operates at a capacity of approximately 195 MLD from existing treatment plants, namely the Salim Plant at 150 MLD and the Bukit Lima Plant at 45 MLD.
Thus, the SWB has no reserve margin to accommodate additional current demand or future demand increases.
Therefore, he stressed the urgent need for the plant upgrade, as any delays could result in a water crisis in Sibu, especially during peak times or drought seasons.
Upon completion, the capacity of the Salim Water Treatment Plant will increase to meet Sibu’s growing water needs until 2036.
Also present were Julaihi’s deputy Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.
(3rd right) and Tiang (2nd right) in the group photo at the groundbreaking
ceremony.
groundbreaking ceremony.
