A TOTAL of RM300,000 has been allocated for fire hydrants in the Bukit Assek constituency in Sibu.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng used his funding under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) for the project aimed at improving public safety in fire-prone areas.
“Under phase one, 28 hydrants were either repaired or replaced,” Chieng told reporters at the commissioning of a new fire hydrant in Jalan Tong Sang.
Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd is carrying out the work in collaboration with the Sibu Fire and Rescue Department.
The repair-and-replacement work is divided into six zones: Zone A, near SMK Methodist, will see 13 hydrants repaired. Three are already completed.
Twenty two hydrants are planned in Zone B, covering Jalan Tiong Hua, Jalan Hua Kiew and Jalan Tong Sang. This include five new installations.
Zone C will have 13 upgraded units and five new ones, while Zone D will see 10 improved hydrants.
In the Sentosa area (Zone E), 13 units are earmarked for upgrading.
Zone F, covering the Bukit Penyau area, remains under review as the existing hydrants are still in good condition.
Chieng said the project was important because Bukit Assek has many old wooden houses that were especially vulnerable during the dry season.
“Although fire hydrants fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, this is very important for our residents.
“By upgrading and installing more hydrants, we ensure that our firemen can respond quickly and effectively when fires occur,” he stressed.
Chieng said this was the first time his office was working closely with Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd and the Sibu Fire and Rescue Department to check each hydrant in the constituency, identify breakdowns and mark new sites where additional hydrants were needed.
He also urged residents to register with the Fire and Rescue Department to adopt a fire hydrant.
“I urge the community and non-government organisations to register.
“In doing so, you can help in taking good care of hydrants, especially those in front of your house.
“If you find any hydrant that needs repair, you can report it,” he said.
Among those present was Sibu Fire and Rescue Department chief Andy Alie.
