BAU: The water woes affecting many villages in Bau and Lundu districts may be over by June, said Infrastructure Development and Communications Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong yesterday.
He explained the ministry is now doing its best to solve the problem so that the villagers will be able to enjoy treated water supply when celebrating Gawai Dayak festival on June 1.
“Although water supply matters are not under my ministry but the JKR (Public Works Department) – which is the relevant agency – is directly under me. I have told JKR to make cost estimation, and I already brought up the matter to (the federal) Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Afdal, and I will also forward this to the cabinet meeting later.
“Hopefully, the treated water will be available by Gawai. We know your problem, so be patient,” he told the audience when speaking at the launch of Institut Memandu Kota Gading (IMKG)’s new one stop centre in Bau yesterday.
He explained the works will involve solving the ‘bottleneck’ in the pipeline between Sibuluh and Stenggang by replacing it with new and bigger pipes.
He hoped it can start anytime soon since the contract was already tendered out and the financial allocation was ready.
On another matter, Manyin urged the voters in Bau and Lundu districts to vote for Barisan Nasional in the coming state election even though the BN candidates for Tasik Biru, Opar and proposed new seat Serembu are not yet confirmed at this moment.
Manyin, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president, said this is to ensure continuity of development in both districts.
“The next state election is going to be anytime, not after June 2016 according to our Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem). When the election is eventually held, I call on those in Tasik Biru, Opar and Serembu to support BN.
“So long as you are with the government, more things will come. Who will be the BN candidate is not important, as long as the candidate is representing BN. Don’t look at the face (of the candidate), but look for the ‘dacing’ symbol,” he said.
Also present at the function were Mas Gading MP Anthony Nogeh, Tourism Ministry permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, political secretary to the chief minister John David Nyauh, Kuching Bidayuh Temenggong Austin Dimin and IMKG managing director Henry Harry Jinep.