KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is making steady progress in expanding access to clean water supply across the region, with a strong focus on rural areas.

Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (MUT), Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi highlighted that Sarawak has achieved over 90 per cent coverage in urban areas, while rural coverage currently stands at 70 per cent.

Hence, the overall average for water supply coverage in Sarawak is 85 per cent.

According to him, many projects are currently being implemented to reach the target under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, where Sarawak must achieve adequate clean water supply coverage by 2030.

“So, I think based on the ongoing projects, for example, we are upgrading water treatment plants in these areas, building new plants, and installing distribution pipes as part of the statewide water grid system.

“Therefore, if we follow our 2030 target, I can say that we are on track, InsyaAllah. This is an effort carried out by my ministry together with the implementing agencies under my ministry,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after making an official working visit to the Pipe Replacement water supply project in Rampangi, here, on Wednesday.

He added that to enhance efficiency, the ministry is in the final stages of merging the Kuching Water Board (KWB), Sibu Water Board (SWB), and LAKU Management Sdn Bhd into a single entity.

“InsyaAllah, it (the new entity) will be launched after Hari Raya Aidilfitri by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

“Its name will also be announced by Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari soon,” he added.

Also present during the working visit were MUT Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi, MUT Permanent Secretary, Datu Jafri Lias, JBALB Director, Ir. Ts. Awang Mohammad Fadillah Awang Redzuan, and others. -UKASnews