ABSOLUTELY FILTHY: Rubbish is seen floating in the Tabuan River in this file photo. NREB, MBKS and DID have submitted a proposal to the federal government for funding to rehabilitate and beautify the river.
KUCHING: The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) is awaiting funding from the federal government to rehabilitate and beautify the Tabuan River.
NREB controller Peter Sawal told The Borneo Post that a proposal was submitted to the federal government last year.
“It is a collective proposal from the Kuching South City Hall (MBKS) and Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) to rehabilitate and beautify Tabuan River.
“We submitted the proposal last year. Once it is approved, we will have funding to start some programmes to clean up Tabuan River,” said Peter.
The filthy rubbish-clogged state of the river received much attention in 2011, including a much-publicised cleaning exercise led by the Democratic Action Party (DAP), but has since continued to be a dumping zone.
The controller said apart from MBKS, the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) has also worked to clean the Sarawak River by regularly collecting floating debris.
Generally, he said, the most polluted rivers are tributaries running through concentrated residential and industrial areas where old designs have allowed black water to be discharged directly into the river system.
“Most rivers in Sarawak are classified as Class 3 rivers, which means they are slightly polluted,” said Peter, adding that rivers in urban areas are more polluted.
“Once the new Centralised Sewerage System is completed, it will help in minimising water pollution as black water generated by the city will be collected and be treated by the system before being discharged back into the Sarawak River.
“Black water has been the main component of pollutant for the rivers of Sarawak,” said Peter.
He pointed out that keeping rivers clean is crucial because they are not only a source of water but also food and income.
“A river of good quality water will sustain a healthy ecosystem,” said Peter.
Meanwhile, NREB has to date set up 330 Environment Clubs in primary and secondary schools across the state in a long-term effort to protect Sarawak’s rivers and waterways.
He said the board hopes to set up clubs in each of the state’s over 1,500 schools in future.
“We cannot stop residents from using rivers and waterways as their rubbish dumping grounds. It will take another generation to fully understand the impact of using waterways to dispose their rubbish.
“We are carrying out awareness programmes among our primary and secondary students by setting up Environment Clubs.”