KUCHING: Water pipes in Sarawak will be replaced over the next five years at a cost of RM1.1bil, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said the state government had allocated the funds for the replacement exercise, which will start next year.
"By 2030, we will have a new piping system throughout Sarawak," he told reporters after opening the Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference here on Wednesday (Oct 23).
Abang Johari said the replacement was necessary as many water pipes in Sarawak were old.
He said the state Utility and Telecommunication Ministry was currently studying the pipe system to determine the location of the pipes.
"We don't always know where the pipes are, especially the very old ones.
"Sometimes when we construct roads, we are not aware that there are pipes there.
"Because the pipes are old, we will replace all of them," he said.
Abang Johari said the new pipes would be connected to a digital system with data on their location and other details.
"If anything happens, the system will alert when and where it occurs," he said, adding that technology would enhance the sustainable management of water resources.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said Sarawak was adopting smart water management systems which use real-time data and analytics to improve efficiency and reduce water loss.
He said this included the implementation of smart water meters in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian which allowed
remote reading.
"By providing real-time data on water usage, these meters enable us to quickly identify and address leaks, conserve valuable water resources and reduce operational costs," he said.
The Premier also said Sarawak was exploring new technologies in wastewater treatment.
"We are in the process of developing a new centralised sewage treatment plant in Bintulu while exploring the potential of generating biogas as a renewable energy source," he said.
