Engkilili 75MLD plant set to boost Sri Aman’s water supply capacity under State water grid plan

The Sri Aman Regional Water Supply System will link Engkilili and Bayai plants as part of phased improvements to the state’s water distribution network. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Apr 15: Clean water supply in Sri Aman Division is set for a major boost with the ongoing construction of a new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Engkilili, which will have a production capacity of 75 million litres per day (MLD) upon completion.

According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the project forms part of the Sarawak Government’s wider water infrastructure agenda under the Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan and Sarawak Water Grid System, alongside the Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Reduction Programme.

Minister for Utilities and Telecommunications Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said these initiatives are fully funded by the state government and implemented through the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, via the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and Sarawak Water.

“The Engkilili WTP will significantly enhance supply capacity for Sri Aman and surrounding areas by complementing the existing Bayai Water Treatment Plant, which currently produces about 53 MLD.

“A number of smaller treatment plants continue to support local demand across the division, including facilities in Lingga (1.65 MLD), Melugu (0.65 MLD), Skrang (0.65 MLD), Engkilili (1.30 MLD), Pantu (2.0 MLD), Seduku (2.0 MLD), Stumbin (0.65 MLD), Lubok Antu (15.0 MLD) as well as LDS Lubok Antu (2.20 MLD),” he said.

At the same time, the Sri Aman Regional Water Supply System has been approved as part of the state’s grid development plan. The system will link the Engkilili and Bayai plants, before extending the network in phases towards Pantu and Lingga, with the aim of improving distribution stability and coverage across the division.

“To improve efficiency of the existing system, JBALB is also carrying out pipe replacement and upgrading works to reduce NRW levels and minimise treated water losses,” he added.

Once completed, the expanded network is expected to strengthen long-term water resilience for communities across Sri Aman Division, particularly in rural and growing settlement areas. — DayakDaily