SARAWAK is planning to spend RM7 billion to RM8 billion from 2021 to overhaul its 60 year-old water distribution system.

“The entire system has to be revamped,” said Utilities Minister Stephen Rundi yesterday during Kuching Water Board’s gathering to mark its 60th year.

Rundi said even though the state has allocated RM2.8 billion to address supply problems in the water-stressed areas in the next two years, especially the rural areas, “it is still not enough”.

The key recommendation is to dispense the British inherited zoning system for a grid system.

“It will be similar to the electricity grid system.”

A consultant was commissioned in May last year to carry out a study on the state’s water supply master plan and grid system.

The study is expected to be completed soon.

Rundi said a preliminary report of the study will be presented to him and ministry officials going to the state cabinet.

The study, which will include a proposed implementation and financial plans, will form the basis for the water grid that will be in the 12th Malaysia Plan.

“The project will start in 2021. By 2025, it should be completed.

“We are very confident (the project will take off as scheduled).”

Rundi said other issues need to be resolved before the grid project can start.

The first is to identify and replace ageing pipes.

“Right now, we don’t even know where some of the pipes are. These are all inherited stuff.”

Currently, the state’s water distribution system is divided into three zones – southern zone administered by the Kuching Water Board, central zone by the Sibu Water Board and northern zone, covering Miri, Bintulu, and Limbang, by Laku Management Sdn Bhd.

The water supply in rural areas outside the three designated zones is handled by the Rural Water Supply Department.

Rundi said the revamp could only start after the “Projek Rakyat” work to alleviate the supply problem in water-stressed areas of state is completed at the end of this year.

The RM2.8 billion is being used to construct supply infrastructure such as water treatment plants, pipelines, reservoirs and booster stations in those areas.

These projects when complete will increase treatment capacity – increasing the volume of water delivered and improve water pressure. – October 16, 2019.