SIBU: Homeowners in Rejang Park affected by long-standing sewerage issues are urged to come forward and claim reimbursement for toilet repairs they had paid for out of their own pockets.

Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said the Sarawak Government has approved financial assistance for 320 homeowners who had to bear the cost of repairing their toilets due to the collapse of a centralised sewerage system built in the 1970s, which failed after over four decades of use.

He noted that the issue of the damaged sewerage system in Rejang Park had persisted for over a decade before a comprehensive solution was implemented in 2018.

“This problem went on for more than 10 years. The centralised sewerage system, constructed in the 1970s, collapsed after 40 years of use, affecting homes and shoplots in the area.

“As a result, toilets became unusable, causing serious hygiene and public health concerns within the community,” he told reporters during a site visit to Rejang Park, here on Thursday.

The Rejang Park area, developed in the late 1970s, utilised a centralised sewerage system that connected all toilets in the residential area and shoplots to a treatment plant near the market.

Datuk Michael, who was then Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier, recalled applying for RM3 million in funding from Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg in 2018 to resolve the issue.

While the sewerage project has since been completed, many homeowners had already repaired their toilets on their own before government aid was introduced.

These residents later submitted claims, pointing out that others had received financial support.

Following a lengthy technical review, Datuk Michael again secured approval from the Sarawak Premier to provide compensation to the remaining 320 eligible homeowners.

However, tracing and verifying the rightful owners has become a challenge.

“The local Kapitan is working hard to trace all 320 homeowners, but some have passed away without transferring property titles, some live overseas, and some are reluctant to cooperate due to fear of being scammed,” he said.

Therefore, the Pelawan Assemblyman has been conducting house visits personally to provide assurance and validate claims.

He said the reimbursement amount will be announced later, but identifying all eligible claimants remains the priority for now.

As such, Datuk Michael called on eligible homeowners to contact the SUPP Pelawan Service Centre and bring along their MyKad, land grant, and latest assessment bill for verification purposes. -UKASnews