SIBU: Recent delays in water pipe repair work by the Sibu Water Board (SWB) have once again caused the town to experience over 24 hours without water, sparking public dissatisfaction.
Pointing out this, Sibu Member of Parliament, Oscar Ling Chai Yew urged the Sarawak government to prioritise and improve Sibu’s water supply system.
He noted that water disruptions here have become more frequent, primarily due to the inadequate capacity of the water treatment plant, as well as ageing pipes that can no longer withstand pressure.
“Additionally, land settlement often leads to pipe bursts and leaks, resulting in significant water loss and supply interruptions.
“I acknowledge that although the Sarawak government approved a RM290 million upgrade for the SWB’s treatment plant last year to increase water production, the allocated funds for replacing old pipelines remain insufficient to fully resolve the issue,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
Ling highlighted that recent pipe leaks and bursts have repeatedly occurred in front of the Sibu Foochow Association at Salim Road, a critical point for major water disruptions in the town.
He urged the SWB to request state government funding for a pipeline rerouting project in that area as a permanent solution, emphasising the need for immediate action.
He also pointed out that SWB has not planned an alternative water supply network, causing residents to endure the full duration of maintenance-related disruptions.
“If an alternative pipeline system were in place, residents might experience only low water pressure instead of a complete outage.
“Thus, I urge the Water Board to consider implementing such a network,” he asserted.
Ling stressed that this latest water disruption highlights multiple weaknesses in Sibu’s water supply that require urgent improvement.
He called on the Sarawak government to allocate funds promptly to resolve these issues.
