Measures underway to address water supply issues in Bawang Assan, assures councillor

SIBU (Nov 18): Measures have been taken to resolve the water supply issue in areas of Bawang Assan, particularly the West Bank and Melanggan, said Councillor Kevin Lau.

The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan chairman said the replacement of the water pipe in the Sungai Maaw area, costing RM10.5 million, had been completed in July.

“Additionally, the upgrading of the Salim Water Treatment Plant costing nearly RM300 million, to increase its production capacity from 150 million litres per day (MLD) to 300MLD, is expected to be completed by 2026.

“Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi also announced in September that the Intervention Programme, through the acute system set to produce 4MLD to supply Sungai Sadit and its surrounding areas, is expected to be completed by March 2025.

“With all of these steps taken, the Sarawak government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has long-term plans to solve water supply issues in our area, with a majority of the cost borne by our state government as we could no longer wait for federal funding,” said Lau.

He said this when representing Romeo Christopher Tegong, a political secretary to the Premier, at a meet-the-people session at Rumah Munie, Bukit Besai here yesterday.

In his speech, Lau also called for patience among the residents, saying he believed every effort is being made by Julaihi to solve the water supply issue.