SIBU, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government has spent RM53 million to replace and upgrade 131 kilometres (km) of ageing water pipes in the Sibu Division to reduce water supply disruptions caused by leaks in the old infrastructure.
Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the works form part of a wider initiative to replace 491km of ageing pipes across the division.
He said the remaining 360km of identified pipes were at various stages of planning and design, with implementation to be carried out in phases.
“The swampy soil conditions in Sibu, coupled with the fact that some old pipes are buried as deep as six metres underground, make it difficult to detect and repair leaks.
“Nevertheless, replacement and upgrading works are continuing to ensure a more efficient and stable water distribution system,” he said when officiating the Rantau Panjang Acute Water Treatment System here today.
Meanwhile, Julaihi said the RM300 million upgrade of the Salim Water Treatment Plant, which is aimed at doubling its production capacity from 150 million to 300 million litres per day, is expected to be completed early next year.
He said the project was crucial to meet rising water demand in Sibu, as the plant currently has no reserve production capacity.
-- BERNAMA