The Sarawak government is stepping up efforts to ensure that everyone has access to clean water by 2030 under the Sarawak Water Supply Grid Programme, which aims to stabilise, integrate, and future-proof the state's water supply infrastructure.
Access to clean water is no longer a luxury—it's a right. Today, in 2030, we are faced with a critical choice: will we create a future where every single person, from the most populated cities to even the most rural villages, has access to safe water? Absolutely, we must. It's a future where every single person has access to safe, treated water.
This long-term strategy prepares for the challenges of population growth, rapid development, and climate change., while addressing persistent gaps in water supply, particularly for rural and isolated populations.
The expansion and enhancement of piped water networks is crucial. Hence, the programme ensures a consistent supply of treated water and reduces reliance on erratic sources like precipitation or wells. By connecting existing water systems and constructing new treatment facilities, the project seeks to create a reliable statewide grid that can balance demand in both urban and rural areas.
Use of technologies
In the modern-day world, the use of technologies such as smart metering systems is important for the detection of leakage, distribution, and treatment. Sustainability is an important goal, with the use of eco-friendly approaches. These include energy-efficient treatment and the conservation of catchment areas. The government is working with global and local stakeholders, as well as various businesses, in order to achieve the 2030 goals.
The project aligns with the global vision for the goal of access to clean water and sanitation as per Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). SDG 6 stands for the commitment of the UN to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation in 2030, and this focuses on ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, and the conservation of ecosystems that relate to water.
In meeting the 2030 agenda, the Sarawak government is partnering with international and local partners like various businesses. This supports world goals for clean water and sanitation access (SDG 6). This points to the fact that Sarawak does realize how opportune a reliable water supply is for health, economic growth, and sustainability.
Align with 2030 Agenda
This marks a significant progress in ensuring fair access to this essential service for all residents of Sarawak. To align with the 2030 agenda, the government collaborates with both international and local partners, including various businesses. This initiative supports global objectives to ensure access to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), demonstrating that Sarawak is aware of the need for a reliable water supply to foster health, economic progress, and sustainability.
This represents significant progress in guaranteeing equitable access to this essential service for all residents of Sarawak. According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), Utility and Telecommunications Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the programme, implemented in phases from 2020 to 2040, is designed to meet projected water demand up to 2070.
Critical areas to be prioritised
To support the initiative for critical areas, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has allocated RM4 billion, covering raw water sources, treatment plants, distribution systems, upgrading works, pipe replacement, modernisation initiatives, and the Sarawak Alternative Rural Water Supply (SAWAS).
Meanwhile, Julaihi reiterated that with the completion of ongoing projects are completed, rural communities long affected by water supply issues will benefit more comprehensively.
The Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) should be credited for its decade-long achievements as evident in the agency’s capacity to transform rural water service. JBALB has also stepped up efforts to leverage digital platforms and enhance coordination with other ministries and agencies to ensure accurate and timely information reaches the public regarding the supply of treated water.
Standard to enhance transparency
Members of the public welcome the initiative on the setting up of a standard reference to improve transparency, align costs in water projects, streamline project assessment, prevent leakages and ensure consistent pricing all works.
In order to meet the needs of roughly 1.12 million users, JBALB currently operates and maintains 100 water treatment plants (WTP), 122 booster pumping stations (BPS), 267 storage water tanks, and 10,073 kilometres of water pipeline throughout Sarawak. The pipeline has a design capacity to supply 656.305 million litres per day (MLD), and it currently produces 589.272 million litres per day (MLD).
JBALB serves 997,187 customers with 267,636 active meters. It will also help the State Water Authority administer and execute Sarawak's Water Ordinance, Water Supply Regulations, and associated licensing provisions.
