BAU: The newly launched alternative pipe project with a fund of RM7 million will solve water pressure issues to residents in Jagoi.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said that this project will solve the problem of low water supply pressure that has long plagued residents in the area.

He noted that this project was implemented after the existing water supply system was no longer able to cope with the increase in water consumption, thus causing low pressure and supply disruptions, especially during the festive season.

"Of the total allocation of RM7 million approved, RM5 million has been tendered and construction work began today. The project is expected to be completed within five months, before the Gawai festival.

"This project involves the construction of an additional pipeline from Bau, creating two supply routes on the left and right sides of the road with a total capacity of two million litres of water per day," he said when launching the project here on Tuesday.

The Tasik Biru Assemblyman added that the new pipeline will also cater to the needs of the Jagoi residents and subsequently support the supply to the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) Serikin when it is operational.

He explained that the new pipeline will function as an alternative route to ensure that the water supply is not interrupted in the event of a leak in the old pipeline.

"With two separate routes, water pressure can be maintained without interruption, thus avoiding the problem of water shortages that often occurred before.

"This problem has been going on for many years. With this project, we are confident that the issue of low pressure and supply disruptions, especially during the festive season, can be completely resolved," he said.

Datuk Henry added that it is estimated that around 3,000 residents in the Jagoi area will benefit from the project.

In fact, he explained that after the ICQS Serikin is operational, the user capacity is expected to reach up to 5,000 people.

Also present were Bau District Officer Eddy Nayoi and Assistant Water Engineer of the Development Division of the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Ts Siet Ung Wu. -UKASnews