Sarawak Water Directed To Investigate Illegal Water Connection Activities In Sebangan
SEBUYAU: Sarawak Water has been instructed to carry out an immediate investigation into the loss of approximately seven million litres of treated water, which has affected water supply pressure in the Sebangan area.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the loss was detected a few days ago and is believed to have been caused by illegal connections or “water tapping” activities along the main supply pipeline.
“This water supply is not free, as Sarawak Water channels it to the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB).
“If any parties are taking it illegally, it is clearly unacceptable as it affects other consumers, and action must be taken against those responsible,” he said.
He said this when met by the media after conducting a working visit to the Sebangan Acute System Construction Project site at Lubok Meranti here on Thursday.
He added that the Batu Kitang water treatment plant is currently capable of supplying 45 million litres per day, but the figure has dropped to 38 million litres following the supply loss issue.
In this regard, he also urged industrial operators in the Samarahan area to register with JBALB to obtain water supply through proper and legal channels.
In a related development, he said the Sebangan Acute System project has now reached 61 per cent physical progress.
He noted that the RM12 million project is expected to be fully completed by July next year.
“It involves the construction of a new water treatment plant with a capacity of five million litres per day and the installation of 11 kilometres of new pipelines.
“Once completed, it will benefit 735 households in Sebangan,” he explained.
Also present were JBALB Sarawak Director Ahmad Selihin Che Said, Samarahan Division Deputy Resident Rais Ahmat, Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Water Supply Division Director Ir George Lee, and Sebuyau District Officer Ayuradiman Bujang. -UKASnews
