Ministries, agencies to assess water supply requirements before devt project approved
by Marilyn Ten · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Nov 18): The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication will work with relevant ministries and agencies to comprehensively assess water supply requirements before a development project is approved.
Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said this includes the preparation of sites and construction of water storage tanks as one of the mandatory conditions that must be complied with by all developers.
“Water storage tanks are very important to ensure adequate water supply and consistent water pressure to consumers in the event of a water supply disruption.
“In addition, consistent water pressure also serves to assist the fire department in the event of a fire,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech.
He also said that in addition to the provision of water storage tanks in residential areas, private water tanks should also be one of the important conditions that should be considered before a development project is approved.
“This is to ensure that the residential water supply is not interrupted in the event of a water supply disruption.”
He said his ministry had taken note of several existing developed areas that were experiencing water supply problems due to the high population density and high water demand.
“As an example, these issues had occurred at Taman Pine Square in Kuching Division; Taman Samarindah Stakan, Taman Uni Central, Taman Uni Vista and Uni Garden in Samarahan Division; Sibu Jaya Flat in Sibu Division; and Taman Jelita in Miri Division,” he said.
On a related issue, Julaihi said three water supply agencies in Sarawak will be merged to ensure a more improved and efficient water supply management.
“The merger involves the Kuching Water Board (KWB), Sibu Water Board (SWB) and Laku Management Sdn Bhd (LAKU).
“The Sarawak government has approved the merger of these water supply agencies by creating a single water supply entity which is expected to start operating in the near future,” he said.
He noted that for now, the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) will continue its role to providing water supply infrastructure, especially to rural areas.
He added that JBALB will be part of the single water entity in the future.