KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak Government has approved funds exceeding RM300 million for the upgrading and replacement of old pipes across the Kota Samarahan area, including Kampung Baru, which currently experiences frequent water supply issues.

Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang said the funds approved by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (DR) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, are for replacing the old system; this aims not only to increase water pressure but also to reduce the rate of Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which is currently high.

“The project has undergone the tendering process and is expected to be awarded at the end of this month; its implementation will take 12 months, and the government is confident that the use of the new piping systems and meters will significantly improve the quality of the water supply.

“At the same time, this effort also focuses on reducing the rate of water loss within the distribution system, therefore allowing the issues to be addressed more effectively,” she explained.

She said this when met by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) after conducting a survey in Kampung Baru here on Friday.

The Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament gave an assurance that the government will continue to monitor the progress of these improvements to ensure that the residents of Kampung Baru enjoy stable and adequate water supply.

Commenting on the visit, she, along with Kuching Water Board (KWB) and the district administration, found that the water supply issue stems from population growth and an ageing piping system that can no longer meet current demand.

Datuk Rubiah added that although the new piping system in Kampung Baru is now nearly complete, several areas still experience water supply disruptions, particularly due to low water pressure.

In a related development, she explained that previously stalled pipe reconnection works have been successfully completed by the authorities, despite facing challenges such as pipe theft which hindered the project’s progress leading up to the recent festive season.

"During the Hari Raya celebrations, water had to be supplied via tankers. However, this method faced constraints in terms of reaching certain areas due to the narrow roads in Kampung Baru," she explained.

Other factors contributing to the prolonged issue include the old piping system, whose exact locations are difficult to trace, as well as the proximity of houses, which complicate maintenance and upgrading works.

Also present were the acting Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd Malseni Jamal, Samarahan District Officer Ahmad Abdul Razak, Kampung Baru Community Leader Man Mok, Kampung Baru Village Head Juli Mohammed, and Kampung Baru Baru Hilir Village Head Dolhadi Janie. – UKASnews

Translator: Sarah Nicole Hii