A water tanker from KWB is seen replenishing the tanks at Siburan police station.
KUCHING: An undersized main pipe system is to be blamed for the inconsistent water supply and low water pressure affecting residents in Siburan and the surrounding areas, especially those living on higher grounds.
The Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) also said the problem worsened due to a clogged water pipeline system which caused consumers to experience water supply problems since last Wednesday.
A villager fills up the pails with water from the tanker at Kampung Endap.
“Water rationing and delivery of water tanks to affected areas are now being carried out by JBALB and Kuching Water Board (KWB) while waiting for the repair work to be completed.
“As long term solution, the Relocation of Kuching/Serian Road Pipeline (Part 1) (project) is now being implemented and expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“This project involves main water pipe connection and construction of booster pump stations for channelling treated water from Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant to improve water supply system in Siburan and surrounding areas.
“JBALB Sarawak is very committed to resolve all incidents of water supply disruption immediately,” said a spokesperson through a statement yesterday.
The spokesperson also informed that water supply to Siburan and surrounding areas is from the Tapah Water Treatment Plant (under JBALB) with additional support from Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant (under KWB).
The issue came to light following The Borneo Post report last Saturday on a resident of Lorong 7, Siburan village, Choo Khoon Kuet, who complained about inconsistent water supply which had persisted for months.
Choo claimed that no water came out from their taps at times or even if it did, it would be either the water pressure was low or the water was murky.
Attending to Choo’s complaint was Sanjan Daik, a political secretary to Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jen, who urged the authorities concerned to look into the plight of the residents there.