Julaihi (fourth from right) being briefed on the Acute System project during his visit.
Sarawak government has initiated an Acute System project in the Sungai Sadit area to address the growing demand for clean water.
The project, estimated to cost RM5mil, is led by Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Ministry in collaboration with Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB).
“The project, designed to address the growing demand for water in the area, is set to be completed by March 2025,” said state Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi during a visit to the project site in Sibu.
“The project includes construction of a new water treatment plant with a capacity of four million litres per day (MLD), alongside the installation of a new pipeline that will be integrated with the existing distribution system.
“This will greatly benefit the residents of Sungai Sadit and nearby areas by ensuring a more reliable water supply.”
Julaihi emphasised the importance of completing the project on time to meet the region’s needs for treated water.
“JBALB will oversee the project’s progress to ensure its timely completion, which is crucial for the improvement of the local water supply system.
“In addition to the Acute System project, a broader pipe replacement programme for the town is underway, with Sibu Water Board allocating RM170mil to replace 360km of pipelines,” he added.
Julaihi said the pipe replacement programme aimed to improve water pressure and reduce supply disruptions, with work scheduled to begin before the end of this year and completed by 2028.
“This will also help to lower non-revenue water (NRW), which represents water lost through leaks or unauthorised usage,” he said.
“One specific project under this initiative is the Sungai Maaw pipe replacement project that addresses the long-standing issue of low water pressure in the area.”
The RM10.55mil project involves replacing a 34km-long pipeline and was completed in July 2024.
Approximately 9,000 users across 2,000 accounts in the Sungai Maaw and Empawah areas are expected to benefit from improved water pressure.
“The project will also help to reduce water supply disruptions and lower the need for water delivery by tankers in the region,” said Julaihi.
He added that these projects represented significant efforts by the state government to modernise the water supply infrastructure in Sibu, ensuring better water quality and a more reliable supply for residents.
