KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is committed to improving the region's water supply system by implementing replacement and upgrade projects for aging pipes, especially in areas prone to leaks and low water pressure.

Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (MUT), Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the government has approved an allocation of RM1.085 billion for the replacement and upgrading of old pipes across the region.

“This project involves replacing 2,740 kilometres of pipes and will be carried out over five years.

“The implementation will be handled by several key agencies, including the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Kuching Water Board (KWB), Sibu Water Board (SWB), and LAKU Management,” 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.

Meanwhile, he added that a total of 461 projects will be carried out to ensure Sarawak’s water supply system is more efficient and resilient.

Dato Sri Julaihi highlighted that the Kuching Division will receive 24 pipe replacement projects with an allocation of RM59 million, involving the replacement of 59 kilometres of old pipes.

“These projects will be implemented by two main agencies, which are JBALB, that focuses on rural areas, and KWB, that manages the water supply in urban areas.

“For JBALB projects, the implementation will be carried out in phases over the first three years. In 2024, nine projects covering 42 kilometres of pipes with an allocation of RM10.9 million will commence.

“The following year, six projects covering 6.8 kilometres of pipes with a cost of RM2.2 million will be carried out, followed by another nine projects covering 33.3 kilometres with an allocation of RM4.5 million in 2026,” he said.

He further explained that one of the areas involved in this project is Rampangi, which is one of three locations in the Pantai Damai area benefiting from the pipe replacement initiative.

The other two locations are Kampung Buntal and Kampung Santubong.

“The pipe replacement project in Rampangi costs RM1.6 million and began in November last year.

“With a six-month implementation period, the project is expected to be fully completed by May this year.

“The project’s progress has now reached over 60 per cent, ahead of the original schedule,” he said.

He also emphasised that the main objective of the pipe replacement and upgrade project is to reduce the rate of water leakage, or Non-Revenue Water (NRW), and improve water pressure for consumers.

“The government will continue to monitor the implementation of this project to ensure that the people of Sarawak receive a cleaner, higher-quality, and more sustainable water supply,” he said.

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