Chong seeks update on RM247 mln water pipe replacement amid Batu Kawa, Moyan supply woes
KUCHING (Aug 9): Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has called for an update on the progress of the old water pipe replacement project in the Batu Kawah constituency, which was previously reported to cost hundreds of millions of ringgit.
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman highlighted that residents in Batu Kawa and Moyan areas have recently experienced frequent water supply interruptions.
'According to Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, the interruptions were caused by a burst main pipe, which has been attributed to high water pressure. The pipe in question was already due for replacement,' he said in a statement.
Chong, who is also Padungan assemblyman, pointed out that during a State Legislative Assembly sitting in May last year, it was revealed that RM247 million had been allocated for the replacement of old water pipes in Sarawak for 2024 alone.
Over the full five-year duration of the statewide replacement project, a total of RM1.085 billion was approved.
'With a burst pipe causing such a severe water supply interruption, it raises the question of why, despite the substantial allocation, the water pipe in Moyan had not been replaced,' said Chong.
He questioned whether the Moyan pipe was included in the RM247 million allocation and asked for details of the specific projects undertaken under this funding.
'What areas were covered under the 2024 allocation? How many kilometres of pipes were replaced last year? For the current year, how much has been allocated, how much has been spent so far, and how many kilometres of old pipes have been replaced?'
During a site visit on Friday, Chong also expressed concern over the lack of proper flushing carried out by Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd after the repair works, saying the flushing only began after his assistant, Sim Kiat Liang, made a request.
'Flushing is a standard operating procedure after all pipe repairs. Without it, household taps will run murky, undrinkable water,' he said.
Chong added that his assistant had to monitor the flushing process in different areas of Batu Kawa and Moyan for more than two hours before the water cleared.
'With the corporatisation of the Kuching Water Board into the government, the public expects more efficiency, transparency, and accountability,' he remarked. Batu Kawa Chong Chieng Jen water pipe upgrade
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