LAWAS: Construction of the Trusan Water Treatment Plant is set to increase water supply capacity to meet the growing needs of residents while supporting future development in the area.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the proposed new plant, with a capacity of 50 million litres per day (MLD), will provide a long-term solution to strengthen the water supply system in Trusan and its surrounding areas.

According to him, careful consideration must be given to the raw water intake for the project to ensure the selected source can sustain the plant's operations while taking into account changes in the river's natural conditions.

“Although preliminary studies have been conducted, we need to reassess the location of the raw water intake to ensure similar problems do not recur in the future,” he said during a working visit to the Trusan Regional Water Treatment Plant here on Thursday.

The Bukit Sari Assemblyman also said the government is implementing immediate measures to address current issues involving the existing raw water intake system, including maintenance works and temporary mitigation measures pending the implementation of a long-term solution.

According to him, all related measures must be expedited to ensure a continuous water supply for residents while facilitating the smooth and effective implementation of water infrastructure development.

The construction of the Trusan Water Treatment Plant is part of the Sarawak Government's ongoing efforts to upgrade basic infrastructure, particularly the water supply system, to support economic growth and enhance the wellbeing of the people.

Once completed, the project is expected to benefit residents of Trusan and the surrounding areas by increasing treated water production capacity while providing a more sustainable and resilient water supply system.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, Lawas Member of Parliament Dato Henry Sum Agong, Limbang Division Resident Unus Tambi, Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) Regional Director Dato Ubaidillah Abdul Latip, Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Deputy Director of Development Tamida Da'adi and Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Awangku Jinal Abedin Dato Pengiran. -UKASnews