Rural water supply projects in the state were funded through annual Budget allocations as well as allocations under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
KUCHING: The latest status of rural water supply infrastructure and school projects in Sarawak worth billions of ringgit and financed by the Federal Government has come under scrutiny during the Sarawak State Assembly sitting.
Reports tabled by the relevant state ministries responsible for implementing these federally funded projects showed mixed progress, with about half completed while the remainder are still ongoing, and some yet to begin.
Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said rural water supply projects in the state were funded through annual Budget allocations as well as allocations under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“The Federal Government has approved RM3.47 billion for Sarawak’s rural water supply projects.
“These funds are meant for 79 major water treatment and supply projects across rural Sarawak aimed at providing clean water access to the rural population.
“Out of the 79 projects, 30 have been completed successfully.
“This represents a completion rate of approximately 38%.
“The remaining projects are currently under planning and implementation stages.
“The Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department will further strengthen the implementation process.
“These are high-impact projects intended to improve the daily lives of the rakyat,” he said during his ministerial speech at the assembly complex.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah said school rebuilding and repair projects involving severely dilapidated schools in the state were being funded through a RM1 billion allocation from Putrajaya.
“These funds are intended to address urgent needs involving primary and secondary schools in poor condition.
“With the allocation, 81 schools have undergone urgent repairs and upgrading works.
“Another 40 projects have been planned.
“However, funding constraints due to rising construction material costs may affect progress,” he said.
Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in his speech, also urged telecommunications authorities to address persistent connectivity issues.
He said poor telecommunications services continue to affect communities not only in rural districts but also in semi-urban areas.
“In my own constituency, located only about an hour’s drive from Kuching, internet connectivity is still poor.
“This continues to affect the daily lives of many people,” he said.
The current state assembly sitting concludes tomorrow.
