Sibu water disruptions prompt call for short-term treatment plant, says MP’s aide

SIBU (Jan 23): The Sarawak government should consider allocating funds to implement short-term alternative measures, including the construction of a water treatment plant, to address the prolonged water supply disruptions affecting the Rantau Panjang and Teku areas here.

In making the calle, Sibu MP Oscar Ling’s special aide Irene Wong noted that water supply issue in the affected areas is not new, but a longstanding problem that has recurred over many years.

“Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (Central Region) has repeatedly cited pipe leakages affecting water pressure as the cause.

“However, to date, it has yet to identify the exact location of the leaks, reflecting shortcomings in management and response mechanisms,” she said in a statement.

According to Wong, residents frequently experience sudden water disruptions, sometimes lasting several days.

These interruptions, she said, have not only affected their quality of life but have also had a significant impact on operations at the Rantau Panjang industrial area, subsequently affecting local economic activities.

She questioned why the government has yet to implement a clear and effective solution, despite the issue persisting for such a long period.

“With continuous residential development and increasing water demand, the state government has failed to plan basic water supply infrastructure in tandem, indicating that the fundamental needs of the people have not been given due priority,” she said.

Wong reiterated the urgent need for short-term alternative measures, suggesting the construction of a water treatment plant similar to the Sungai Sadit acute water system, which requires a shorter construction period.

“Based on publicly available information, the water treatment plant in Sungai Sadit was completed within six months and successfully alleviated water supply issues in the Sadit and Bawang Assan areas.”

She said stable water and electricity supply are basic necessities, adding that urban and economic development must be carried out alongside assurances of essential infrastructure so that the benefits of development can truly be felt by the people.

disruption Irene Wong onsite short-term measures Sibu water supply water treatment plant