KUCHING: The Sarawak Water Supply Grid Programme for focus areas involving 304 projects is now in its final phase.

Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunications (MUT), Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said that of the total, 269 projects or 88 percent have been completed, 27 projects are under construction, while the remaining eight projects are in the pre-contract stage and will commence next year.

According to him, the main project that has been completed is the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project in Batu Kitang, from 764 million litres per day (MLD) to 868 MLD at a cost of RM107.2 million.

"Next, the Water Supply Project which includes pipe installation works, construction of high-level water tanks and booster pump stations from Kota Samarahan to Sebuyau including Tambirat, Moyan, Asajaya, Semera, Sadong Jaya, Sungai Buloh, Sungai Ladong, Sebangan and Tebelu at a cost of RM370.3 million.

"Other projects that have been completed are the New Water Pipeline Installation Project from Bulat Junction to Temadak Storage Tank at a cost of RM26.6 million, the Project to Build a New Water Treatment Plant in Trusan, Lawas with a capacity of 20 JLH at a cost of RM33.3 million, the Water Supply System Rehabilitation Project in Matu and Igan, Mukah at a cost of RM65.3 million and the Water Supply Project for the Sare Area, Sarikei at a cost of RM9.9 million," he explained.

The Sebuyau Assemblyman said this when winding up the debate for his ministry in the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting on Monday.

Meanwhile, he also announced a list of major projects currently under construction, including the Lubau Water Treatment Plant, Betong Upgrade Project from 30 JLH to 60 JLH with a project cost of RM168.5 million, the Tinjar Area Water Supply Project Phase 2 (Package 1 and Package 2) with a cost of RM74 million, the Water Supply Project along Jalan Bakun from Labang to Tubau, Bintulu (Package 1 and Package 2) with a project cost of RM151.6 million and the Miri Water Supply Resource Development Project (Phase 2) with a cost of RM263.9 million.

He said this included the Water Supply Project from Salim Water Treatment Plant to Kanowit with a cost of RM81.1 million as well as the Water Supply Project to Ulu Rimbas and the Improvement of Water Supply to Spaoh with a project cost of RM26.6 million.

Dato Sri Julaihi added that the projects expected to be completed by the end of this year involve the Upgrading of the Bayong Water Treatment Plant, Sarikei from 70 JLH to 100 JLH at a cost of RM68.6 million, the Clean Water Connection to Sungai Teniku, Miri at a cost of RM6.9 million and the Pulau Bruit Water Supply System at a cost of RM84.4 million.

For the record, the Sarawak Government has allocated RM4 billion under alternative financing since 2018, to implement the programme.

To date, water supply coverage throughout Sarawak is 85.4 percent and coverage in rural areas at a rate of 70.5 percent.-UKASnews