Upgraded Bayong plant in Sarikei boasts 100 MLD capacity, new intake point and pipelines
Julaihi (front fourth right) is briefed about the Bayong Water Treatment Plant.
SARIKEI (May 8): The upgraded Bayong Water Treatment Plant here has a new intake point along the Gerugu River, said Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
The Minister of Utility and Telecommunication said the plant sources its raw water from the Gerugu Dam, which has a yield of approximately 140 million litres.
'The Bayong plant has now been fully upgraded and boasts a capacity of 100 MLD (million litres per day), up from its previous 70 MLD, with an additional 30 MLD added through recent works.
'The upgrade, which included the construction of a new intake point and installation of new pipelines, cost RM68.4 million, fully funded by the Sarawak government,' he said during a visit yesterday.
Separately, he said work to upgrade the Julau Water Treatment Plant is progressing steadily and expected to increase the facility's water production capacity to 4.7 MLD once completed by the end of this year.
He said the new water treatment plant, currently under construction, will have a capacity of 3.4 MLD.
'Located adjacent to the existing plant which currently produces 1.3 MLD, the addition will significantly enhance water supply,' he said.
He added the project, fully funded by the Sarawak government, comes at a cost of nearly RM26 million.
Meanwhile, Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin voiced deep concern over the ongoing water supply crisis in Julau, describing the situation as critical and having dragged on for far too long.
He called on the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to be more efficient and proactive in resolving the long-standing water issues affecting the Meluan constituency.
'The residents have been patient but are in urgent need of a sustainable solution,' said Rolland.
Julaihi instructed JBALB to give the utmost commitment in addressing the matter and stressed that the department must remain responsive to public complaints and act swiftly to implement necessary measures.
Among those present were Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, Wong Zee Yeng – who represented Sarikei MP Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, JBALB state director Awang Mohammad Fadillah Awang Redzuan, and Sarikei Deputy Resident Badjuri Bidin.
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