PADAWAN: The Sarawak Government continues to strengthen its utility infrastructure development agenda by taking over 79 Federal water supply projects worth RM3.47 billion to ensure accelerated implementation for the benefit of the people.

Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said that the strategic measure was taken to avoid gaps in the state's water distribution system, thus ensuring that planned projects can be completed more efficiently and effectively.

He said this to the media during a working visit to Puncak Borneo Acute Water Supply System, here on Tuesday.

According to him, the acquisition of the project is now in the process after getting approval in principle from the Federal Cabinet.

He said the decision was in line with the Sarawak Government's commitment to speed up the implementation of water supply projects based on the state's performance record which recorded a success rate of over 90 per cent in completing related projects.

"The Sarawak Government has approved nearly RM7 billion to implement 360 water supply projects throughout the state.

"Thus, we want all projects including those funded by the Federal Government to be completed more efficiently and effectively," he said.

He added that the effort is part of the state government's long-term strategy to ensure access to quality treated water supply can be enjoyed by all Sarawakians, including in rural and inland areas.

In a related development, Dato Sri Julaihi informed that the Puncak Borneo Acute Water Supply System which is currently operating has sufficient excess capacity to be expanded to several surrounding areas.

According to him, among the areas that have the potential to receive treated water supply connections in the near future are Kampung Sitang, Kampung Petag and Kampung Bangau.

In addition, a proposal was also submitted to expand the water supply coverage to Kampung Sapit which is among the rural tourism destinations and is still dependent on the gravity water supply system. -UKASnews