SARIKEI: The Sarawak Government continues to demonstrate strong commitment to ensuring the continuity and quality of water supply in rural areas with the successful completion of the Bayong Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project Phase 2B, which now increases the plant's capacity to 100 Million Litres Per Day (MLD).

The high-impact project worth RM68.4 million is fully funded by the Sarawak Government through the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak (MUTS) with the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) as the implementing agency.

This capacity increase is expected to be able to accommodate the increasing demand for water supply in the Sarikei Division, specifically in the Tanjung Manis, Belawai, and Pulau Bruit areas.

The scope of the project involved the construction of a new water treatment plant with a capacity of 30 MLD, intake structure, raw water pipeline installation, and various supporting works.

It is seen as an integrated effort to overcome water supply issues and expand access to clean and quality water.

Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the government is highly committed to improving essential public infrastructure, not only to address water supply challenges but also to pave the way for socioeconomic development in rural areas.

He said this in conjunction with a working visit to the plant, here, on Wednesday.

Accompanying him on the visit were Meradong Assemblyman, Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, Meluan Assemblyman, Rolland Duat Jubin, a representative of Dato’ Sri Huang Tiong Sii, Wong Zee Yeng, MUTS Permanent Secretary, Datu Jafri Lias, JBALB Sarawak Director, Ir. Ts. Awang Mohamad Fadilah Awang Redzuan, and Sarikei Division Deputy Resident, Badjuri Bidin.

Additionally, JBALB Sarawak assured continued monitoring of related project implementations to ensure timely completion and uninterrupted water supply to the public.

Meanwhile, Dato Sri Julaihi announced that the official launch of the upgraded plant will be officiated by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg on 14 May. -UKASnews