Kuching: A burst main water pipe in the Batu Kawa and Moyan area left many residents without water supply for the past two days, sparking concern over the government’s multi-million ringgit pipe replacement project.
DAP Sarawak Chairman Chong Chieng Jen noted 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.
“For the whole 5-year pipe replacement project throughout Sarawak, a total of RM1.085 billion was approved.
“With the pipe burst causing such severe water supply interruption, it begs the question why, despite hundreds of millions spent, the water pipe at the Moyan area was not replaced,” he said in a statement.
Chong, who is also Stampin MP, said according to the explanation provided by Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, the interruption was due to one of the main pipes bursting because of high water pressure from within. The pipe was due for replacement.
He further 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 were the projects covered under the RM247 million allocation provided last year? How many kilometers of pipe were replaced last year? As for this year, how much in total was allocated therefor, and how much has been spent, and how many kilometers of water pipes have been replaced?”
During a site visit on Friday, Chong also expressed concern about the lack of proper flushing carried out by Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd after the repair works, stating that the flushing only began after his assistant, Sim Kiat Liang, made a request.
“Flushing is the standard operating procedure after all pipe repair works, without which, the water coming out of the households’ tap will be murky and not drinkable.
“It took my assistant to monitor the flushing at different areas in Batu Kawa and Moyan for more than two hours before the murky water was totally flushed out and clear water was back on the taps,” he said.
Following the corporatisation of the Kuching Water Board, Chong stressed that the public expects greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
