KUCHING: Efforts to expand access to treated water supply for rural residents in the Tamin Constituency must continue to be prioritised to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for the local community.

Tamin Assemblyman Ir. Christopher Gira Sambang explained that the execution of two treated water supply projects valued at RM315 million overall is crucial to ensure residents enjoy better basic amenities, particularly in areas still facing water supply issues.

According to him, the projects involve the Stapang–Sekuau Water Supply Project worth RM117 million and the Selangau–Arip–Baoh–Ulu Selangau Water Supply Project worth RM198 million, both approved through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).

Accordingly, he expressed hope that the implementation of both projects could be expedited given that residents have long awaited these facilities.

“As I have raised previously, these projects were approved over eight years ago. However, physical execution has yet to commence.

“I request a clear explanation regarding the causes of delay, the executing agency responsible, as well as the expected dates for the tender process, commencement, and completion of the projects,” he said.

He said this during the debate session on the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here on Friday.

In a related development, Ir. Christopher welcomed the arrangement allowing KKDW water supply projects valued at RM50 million and below to be executed through the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Sarawak.

He expressed the view that this move has the potential to strengthen project execution efficiency, while proposing that JBALB's jurisdiction be expanded to larger-scale projects based on the department's experience and understanding of local community needs.

While awaiting the execution of the main projects, he also proposed the provision of Acute Water Treatment Systems as a short-term solution to assist residents in areas still facing treated water supply constraints.

Among the identified areas are along the Pan Borneo Highway from Selangau to Arip, Jalan Sapudun, Jalan Nanga Tajam, Jalan Igu, Dijih, Tamin, Ulu Oya, and Ulu Pakoh.

At the same time, he expressed hope that attention would also be given to areas with existing pipe networks that still experience inadequate water supply, including Pasai Siong, Sebintek, Sekuau, Dijih, and Nanga Duat. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Eisner Nala
Photo: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Ryan Lim