KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is currently strengthening efforts to achieve 100 per cent clean water supply coverage by 2030 through the implementation of the Sarawak Water Supply Grid Programme, a holistic and comprehensive initiative that unifies the water supply system between all parts of the state to ensure more stable, planned and resilient services.

Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the programme was designed as a long-term plan involving several phases starting from 2020 until 2040 to accommodate the increasing demand for water supply until 2070.

“In line with the water supply issue which is currently under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), this Water Supply Grid Programme will focus first on critical areas.

“Therefore, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg has allocated RM4 billion, in which the funds involve the implementation of projects involving raw water sources, treatment plants, distribution systems, improvement works, pipe replacement, as well as the Sarawak Alternative Rural Water Supply (SAWAS) modernisation and supply initiatives,” he said.

He said this in a speech read by his Deputy Minister Datuk Liwan Lagang during the JBALB Appreciation Ceremony 2024 which celebrated the recipients of the Excellent Service Award (APC) and retirees at a hotel here on Thursday.

Dato Sri Julaihi said that once all these projects are fully completed, rural residents who have been facing water supply issues for a long time will receive comprehensive benefits.

Meanwhile, he described the achievements of JBALB over the 10 years of its establishment as proof of the agency's ability to lead the transformation of rural water services, especially under the leadership of its Director, Datu Ir. Ts. Awang Mohammad Fadillah Awang Redzuan.

He explained that since leading the ministry, he has personally seen JBALB's major changes towards better water supply services.

Therefore, he said, the ministry will continue to provide full support to JBALB to strengthen the people's water services.

Dato Sri Julaihi also stressed the importance of quick responses to people's complaints, especially in the digital era where information can easily spread even if it has not been verified.

He called on JBALB to strengthen the use of digital platforms and increase cooperation with other ministries and water agencies to ensure accurate and comprehensive information delivery.

At the same event, he also launched JBALB Schedule of Rates (SOR), a standard reference document that increases transparency and cost coordination in the implementation of water projects.

The SOR, he said, will facilitate the project evaluation process, prevent leakage and ensure that all parties use uniform pricing rates and in accordance with departmental standards.

The ceremony also celebrated the recipients of the APC and JBALB retirees for the year 2024. -UKASnews