SIBU: About 50 longhouses in Tamin have been identified as being in need of clean water supply under the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (Sawas) programme.
Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang said he had submitted a number of lists to the Rural Electricity and Water Supply Ministry requesting for the implementation of Sawas.
According to him, the majority of rural longhouse residents are currently relying on either rainwater or the gravity feed system for their water supply.
“Sawas is for those rural longhouses or settlements that do not receive treated water supply from any water treatment plant. I have submitted quite a few lists of longhouses in this area (Tamin), which require Sawas, to the ministry. I think fewer than 50 longhouses in my area have been identified for Sawas.
“A few weeks ago, they (ministry) asked me to confirm whether these longhouses really needed Sawas or if there were already (receiving treated water supply) in which case, the ministry must be informed. Hopefully, they (ministry) could do it (implement Sawas) as soon as possible because they have the budget,” he told reporters after officiating at the opening of Selangau District-level ‘Teachers’ Day 2017’ celebration at a hotel here recently.
On the Stapang water treatment plant, Gira said the production capacity was inadequate to cater for the growing demands in Sekuau due to rising population.
He said the matter was brought up to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the latter’s visit to Rumah Penghulu Andrewson Ngalai last year.
Moreover, he said the allocation for upgrading works on Stapang water treatment plant had been approved, adding that the funding comes under the federal Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.
“(Upon the completion of works on the plant) costing about RM40 million and the laying of pipes costing about RM22 million, the water supply would not only cover Stapang but also areas from Sekuau to Batu 36, as well as those in Nangka Tajam and Sebintek,” he said, hoping that improvement works could be implemented within these five years.
According to the assemblyman, for the time being there is no problem with the water supply for Sekuau as the old pipelines have been replaced.
However, areas in Batu 36 and Nanga Tajam have yet to enjoy treated water, he observed.