KAPIT: Water shortages and electricity supply disruptions will soon be a thing of the past for the people here, said Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office Larry Sng.
BRIGHTER FUTURE: Tuai Rumah Dinggai Reba (third left) presents a souvenir to Sng. Jasa officer Mohammad Matan Yok is at left.
He said the government is now in the process of addressing the two problems, which have greatly affected the division.
“For water issues, I have met the officers from the water board section of the Public Works Department on the matter and was told that the contract has been awarded to the contractor to undertake the extension of the water treatment plant,” said Sng, adding that the extension should be completed by early 2013.
Sng said this when officiating at the meet the people session organised by the Special Affairs Department (Jasa) at Rumah Dinggai Reba, Nanga Goh, about 10 minutes by boat from Kapit on Wednesday.
He explained that the water shortage was caused by the increasing number of housing estates here.
“In addition we have several office complexes such as the state office complex at Jalan Bleteh and the light industrial areas that began operations a few years ago. This led to the increase in the consumption of water. The existing water plant cannot meet the high demand.”
On the quality of the water which has been yellowish in colour, Sng said it is still safe for consumption.
“So far we have yet to see anybody complain of suffering from sicknesses after drinking the water.”
Regarding the frequent electricity supply disruptions in several areas, especially Jalan Bleteh, Sng said once the state grid line is completed, Kapit would enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply.
“Based on the feedback from Sarawak Energy Bhd, the interruption of electricity was due to the breakdown of one of the engines, thus power supply was shared and hence some areas were cut off, while some areas received the supply on a rotation basis to be fair to all,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sng stressed he is still a Barisan Nasional man who is loyal to the government.
He warned the people not to be easily hoodwinked by the opposition who only appeared during elections and disappeared after that.
“Do not waste your vote on them (opposition) but give your full support to the government, which can deliver the needs of the people.”