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Naik taraf Loji Rawatan Air Bayai giat dilaksana

KUCHING: Kerja-kerja menaik taraf Loji Rawatan Air Bayai sedang giat dijalankan membabitkan pertambahan 20 juta liter sehari (MLD) kapasiti air terawat bagi menampung keperluan mendesak di Sri Aman.   Pertambahan 20 MLD itu bakal menyaksikan loji berkenaan mampu membekalkan sehingga 30.3 MLD air terawat berbanding hanya 13.3 MLD sekarang.' Menteri Muda Pembangunan Luar Bandar Datuk Francis Harden Hollis berkata, projek yang menelan belanja RM43 juta dijangka siap sepenuhnya pada 22 Mei tahun depan.   “Sekarang, kerja-kerja menaik taraf ini sudah dilaksanakan lebih 30 peratus. Dengan siapnya projek menaik taraf nanti, loji ini mampu membekalkan 33.3 MLD air terawat. “Ini merupakan pendekatan yang kita ambil untuk meningkatkan tekanan air di Sri Aman,” katanya dalam sidang media di sini, semalam.   Hadir sama Timbalan Pengarah Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Sarawak Danien Rangu. Loji Rawatan Air Bayai mula diwujudkan pada tahun 1974 dengan kapasiti 5.4 MLD dan kemudiannya dinaik taraf kepada 13.3 MLD pada tahun 2006.   Pendekatan lain yang diambil untuk mengatasi masalah kekurangan air di Sri Aman, menurutnya, adalah melibatkan penukaran kesemua sistem paip air di Sri Aman. “Paip ini perlu ditukar juga kerana sudah berusia lebih 40 tahun. Kita menjangkakan memperoleh RM12 juta untuk penukaran sistem paip,” ujarnya.   Francis yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Simanggang berkata, buat sementara waktu tangki akan dihantar ke kawasan yang mengalami masalah ketiadaan air.   “Ini merupakan pendekatan segera untuk menyelesai masalah ketiadaan air di Brayun, Taman Sri Jaya dan Kedang,” jelasnya.   Tambahnya, masalah bekalan air dialami penduduk Sri Aman disebabkan pertambahan projek pembangunan terutama taman perumahan.   “Pada tahun 2008 terdapat 8,141 meter sambungan air terawat namun sekarang ia meningkat kepada 8,977 meter sambungan,” kata Francis.   Pada masa sama, Francis menasihati penduduk Sri Aman agar menjimatkan penggunaan air terutama pada musim kemarau sekarang.   Penduduk Sri Aman yang mengalami masalah gangguan air diminta menghubungi talian 083-321620 atau faks kepada 083-320031 untuk sebarang aduan. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/06/22/naik-taraf-loji-rawatan-air-bayai-giat-dilaksana/#ixzz2Y2D9nFCn

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SEB HQ certified green building

KUCHING: Sarawak Energy reached a milestone with the certification of its headquarters, Menara Sarawak Energy, as the first green building in East Malaysia after being accorded the final Green Building Index (GBI) Silver Rating under the Non-Residential New Construction (NRNC) category. Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili graced the certification presentation at Sime Darby Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.   Receiving the award on behalf of Sarawak Energy was its chief of corporate services, Aisah Eden accompanied by general manager for shared services and building executive Linggir Agas Yusri Safri.   Aisah said: “The intention for the submission of GBI certification was in line with the government’s call for sustainable development, encouraging the construction of more green buildings in the country, designed and operated to reduce the overall impact to the environment.   “The final GBI Silver Award was a bonus to us for the hard work and detailed considerations our team put in the design, construction and operation of Menara Sarawak Energy.”   The Green Building Index (GBI) is Malaysia’s green rating tool for buildings and towns, created to promote sustainability in the built-environment and raise awareness of environmental issues among developers, architects, engineers, planners, designers, contractors and the public.   Buildings will be awarded the GBI rating based on six key criteria namely Energy Efficiency (35 points), Indoor Environmental Quality (21 points), Sustainable Site Planning and Management ((16 points), Materials and Resources (11 points), Water Efficiency (10 points) and Innovation (seven points).   Based on the criteria, the GBI Accreditation Panel (GBIAP) awarded Sarawak Energy the Silver Rating with 67 out of 100 points.   Aisah said Sarawak Energy was committed to the certification, citing areas that could be improved further such as indoor environment quality, water efficiency (in particular water harvesting and recycling) and indoor environment quality. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/12/seb-hq-certified-green-building/#ixzz2ZBgznvYr

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Projek tenaga solar bakal terangi Rumah Andah

BATANG AI: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) akan melaksanakan projek bekalan elektrik tenaga solar di Rumah Andah, Nanga Sumpa di sini dalam masa terdekat. Pengurus Kanan (Bahagian Tenaga Diperbaharui) SEB, Goh Chin Chai berkata projek tersebut telah diluluskan dan menunggu bajet untuk dilaksanakan. “Kami berharap mendapat bajet dalam bulan depan untuk menyediakan bekalan elektrik tenaga solar kepada Rh Andah dan ia dijangka siap menjelang pertengahan tahun depan,” katanya ketika ditemu bual, baru-baru ini. Goh menambah projek tersebut dianggarkan menelan kos kira-kira RM1.5 hingga RM2 juta iaitu melibatkan sebanyak 51 keluarga. “Kami mungkin memasang sistem solar berpusat untuk Rh Andah kerana ia mempunyai bilangan rumah yang banyak,” katanya. Sementara, Goh berkata SEB kini telah melaksanakan projek bekalan elektrik tenaga solar di enam buah rumah panjang yang terletak di pedalaman kawasan ini. Katanya, enam rumah panjang terbabit ialah Rh Manggat di Menyang Taih, Rh Kino di Menyang Sedi, Rh Brown di Stapang, Rh Griffin di Ng Jengin, RH Jangong di Pala Taong dan Rh Ninting di Ng Jambu. Jelas beliau, kesemua projek tanggungjawab sosial korporat SEB yang mula dilaksanakan sejak 2014 itu adalah bernilai lebih RM2 juta. “Dengan siapnya projek bagi Rh Andah nanti, maka ia menjadi projek ketujuh SEB dalam menyediakan bekalan elektrik tenaga solar di rumah-rumah panjang di Batang Ai,” katanya. Menurut Goh, inisiatif SEB untuk melaksanakan projek bekalan elektrik tenaga solar di Batang Ai adalah disebabkan kesukaran untuk membekal bekalan elektrik menggunakan sistem grid ke rumah panjang tersebut hanya dapat dihubungi melalui sungai. “Agak mustahil untuk kami melaksanakan sistem grid di sini kerana kedudukan rumah panjang sangat jauh selain tiada infrastruktur seperti jalan raya. Maka, sistem solar mencari sistem penyelesaian terbaik bagi SEB setakat ini untuk membekalkan elektrik kepada penduduk di kawasan ini,” katanya. Sehubungan itu, katanya projek perintis telah dilaksanakan di Rh Manggat dan Rh Kino pada 2014 dan selepas itu, ia mendapat permintaan yang baik daripada rumah-rumah panjang lain di Batang Ai. Ekoran itu, katanya SEB telah meneruskan inisiatif bagi membantu masyarakat pedalaman tersebut untuk menikmati kehidupan yang lebih selesa dengan melaksanakan projek secara berperingkat ke rumah panjang lain. Jelas beliau, Rh Andah lambat menerima projek tersebut kerana ia baharu siap dibina, selepas musnah dalam kebakaran pada 2014.

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‘Simunjan water woes will be resolved soon’

SIMUNJAN: The long drawn water woes in Simunjan are expected to be resolved by the end of October this year.   The water mains connecting this coastal town from Gedong in Serian is scheduled to be completed by then, said Assistant Minister of Planning Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais yesterday.   He said the laying of water mains along the proposed Gedong-Simunjan Road was progressing well.   Work on the road itself is expected to be wrapped up when construction of the Sungai Sageng Bridge is completed by the end of September this year.   “The putting up of a high-level water tank in Simunjan town at a cost of RM42 million will be completed by the end of next month.   That means once the water mains are completed, water supplies to Simunjan town will be stabilised,” Naroden told The Borneo Post Adventure Team (BAT) III here yesterday.   He said the total cost of the Gedong-Simunjan road plus the Sageng Bridge was about RM120 million. Simunjan is presently facing water problems due to the dry season. Clean water is supplied from Asajaya and Kampung Tembirat.   At the Sungai Buluh ferry point, a lorry driver, who transported water here, said he made three to four trips daily. Each of the three tanks of clean water he carried was sufficient for four to five families.   Naroden, who is also Simunjan assemblyman, said Simunjan town was set to become a major coastal hub town in the next 10 to 15 years. The master plan for this transformation was unveiled recently.   “By then Siminjan will be well connected to Sebuyau, Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Gedong and Serian,” he said.   The Batang Sadong Bridge at Sungai Buluh, which will be the longest in Sarawak, connects Simunjan and Sebuyau to Asajaya. Works on the bridge’s foundation is progressing well.   At present, there is a ferry service at Sungai Buluh, which lies next to the proposed bridge, for the people from here and Sebuyau to travel to Asajaya.   Naroden said Simunjan would have a new township. It would be built in phases. Estimated to cost some RM500 million, the proposed Simunjan township will have a new commercial centre, residential areas, and light industrial estate.   The town’s population is expected to swell from the current 35,000 to 45,000 in the next 10 to 15 years. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/16/simunjan-water-woes-will-be-resolved-soon/#ixzz2abN4OnC5

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Punca sebenar gangguan elektrik diketahui dua bulan lagi

KUCHING: Punca sebenar gangguan sistem bekalan elektrik di negeri ini mungkin akan diketahui dalam tempoh dua bulan lagi.   Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan Kementerian Kewangan Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah berkata, kementerian telah melantik syarikat konsultan untuk menjalankan kajian menyeluruh tentang gangguan sistem bekalan elektrik di Sarawak.   Bercakap pada sidang media selepas merasmikan Majlis Konsultasi Bajet 2014 di sini semalam, beliau memberitahu syarikat tersebut, Poyry Energy Sdn Bhd akan mengkaji tentang sistem transmisi elektrik supaya tidak berlaku gangguan bekalan di negeri ini.   “Esok (hari ini) saya akan mempengerusikan satu mesyuarat di Kuala Lumpur di mana ia akan disertai pihak konsultan, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) dan Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd bagi mendapatkan hasil awal gangguan elektrik di negeri ini khasnya di Kuching.   “Sebenarnya, kita telah melantik konsultan ini dua bulan lepas iaitu sebelum berlaku gangguan dan hasil (siasatan) akan kita ketahui dalam tempoh dua bulan lagi,” katanya.   Tambah beliau, pada mesyuarat itu nanti pihak berkaitan akan mengetahui lebih mendalam tentang situasi sebenar gangguan tersebut sama ada berpunca dari Empangan Hidroelektrik Bakun atau sistem transmisi yang harus diperkukuhkan. Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd, anak syarikat milik penuh Menteri Kewangan Diperbadankan Malaysia, telah diamanahkan untuk membangun dan menguruskan Projek Hidroelektrik Bakun sejak 1 Mei 2000.   Pada 27 Jun lepas, hampir seluruh Sarawak bergelap akibat gangguan bekalan elektrik mulai kira-kira jam 6 petang semalam dan beransur pulih berperingkat-peringkat di beberapa kawasan selang lebih sejam kemudian.   Pengurus Komunikasi Korporat SEB Ahadiah Zamhari menerusi satu kenyataan pada hari yang sama berkata, ketiadaan bekalan elektrik berpunca daripada gangguan litar di transmisi kuasa Kemena-Bintulu pada jam 5.40 petang.   Sementara itu, sidang media sama turut menyaksikan penyerahan Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) bersama tiga organisasi iaitu Persatuan Pengilang Bumiputera Sarawak (PENGASAS), Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS) dan Dewan Usahawan Industri Desa Sarawak.   Majlis Konsultasi Bajet 2014 yang bertemakan ‘Mengotakan Janji Merancak Transformasi’ turut dihadiri Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani dan Setiausaha Kerajaan Persekutuan Sarawak Datuk Md Yahaya Basimin. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/18/punca-sebenar-gangguan-elektrik-diketahui-dua-bulan-lagi/#ixzz2abM8riLT

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Daro water woes will be over soon, says rep

SIBU: Water supply problems in Daro will be resolved when construction of the RM79 million water treatment plant in Matu is completed.   Jemoreng assemblyman Abu Seman Jahwie said work on the proposed facility, which sits on 17 acres in Kampung Jemoreng, was “progressing smoothly”, and the plant would be capable of producing 10.5 million litres daily (MLD) of treated water. He assured that he and the Public Works Department (PWD) were monitoring the project closely. “There is no water supply problem in Matu, even with the increased consumption due to Ramadan and preparations for the coming Raya Aidil Fitri,” he told thesundaypost yesterday.   Kampung Nanga Besar villagers have complained of dry water taps since 2009. They had  to depend on the salty and brownish water from Sungai Nanga for their daily use.   Daro District Officer Shafie Ahmad told the  Borneo Post Adventure Team (BAT) III members on Friday that construction of the water treatment plant had been delayed. “The problem is that water to Kampung Nanga Besar is from Matu, not Daro. Before the water reaches the village, they are all used up by an oil palm plantation.   “The water supply from Matu is clearly not enough to meet the demand of both villagers and plantation,” said Shafie.   Abu Seman said: “The slight delay in the completion of the water treatment plant is due to floods previously, but the project is progressing smoothly. The laying of pipelines has been done.”   He said the plant would have a barrack and administrative office. Matu has a population of about 17,000 people. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/21/daro-water-woes-will-be-over-soon-says-rep/#ixzz2abKky7mb

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Bekalan air bersih diperluas ke luar bandar: Harden

SRI AMAN: Menteri Muda Pembangunan Luar Bandar Datuk Francis Harden Hollis memberitahu bahawa rangkaian bekalan air bersih bakal diperluaskan ke kawasan luar bandar di sini pada masa akan datang.   Menurutnya, tiga pelan cadangan telah dikemukakan kepada Kementerian Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan bagi tujuan kelulusan untuk memperluas rangkaian bekalan air.   Beliau berkata cadangan pertama adalah menambah rangkaian kemudahan bekalan air bersih sepanjang dua kilometer dari kawasan San Ugol hingga ke San Munggor, Sri Aman.   Manakala cadangan kedua menambah rangkaian kemudahan bekalan air bersih sepanjang enam kilometer bermula dari kawasan Klassen hingga ke Lepong Simpai.   “Cadangan ketiga pula menambah rangkaian kemudahan bekalan air bersih sepanjang 10 kilometer bermula dari kawasan Juntong ke SK Batu Lintang, Klinik Desa dan Ijok,” katanya pada Majlis Penyampaian Cek Projek Kecil Luar Bandar (MRP) di Pejabat SUPP Simanggang di sini kelmarin.   Pada majlis itu, Harden menyampaikan cek berjumlah RM110,000 kepada 11 penerima dari sekitar kawasan Sri Aman dan Lingga.   Sementara itu, Harden yakin usaha itu mampu mengurangkan kebergantungan pengguna di kawasan terbabit terhadap penggunaan bekalan air alternatif sekiranya cadangan itu diluluskan.   Turut hadir Timbalan Residen Sri Aman Felicia Tan, Temenggung Sii Toh Peng, Penghulu Abdul Samad, Kaunselor Andar, Ketua Wanita SUPP Simanggang Lim Siew Hung dan Timbalan Ketua Pemuda SUPP Simanggang Patrick Michael Malajin. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/22/bekalan-air-bersih-diperluas-ke-luar-bandar-harden/#ixzz2abMXoPOd

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A chapter in history re-enacted at Kuching Waterfront

KUCHING: Hundreds of people yesterday had a glimpse of a historic event which took place here on July 22, 1963.   Sarawak gained independence from the British colonialists on that day, and a special pantomime was held at the Kuching Waterfront to re-enact that special moment which happened exactly 50 years ago. The pantomime was titled Sarawak Independence Day from Colonisation and it was well acted out by a number of performers.   The day also saw the launching of the ‘Sarawak Gemilang 50 Tahun’ exhibition at the Sarawak Tourism Complex.   Present to witness the spectacle were Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and State Legislative Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.   Those present were held spellbound as the actors and actresses re-enacted important milestones that led to the state’s independence and formation of Malaysia. There was a scene showing the last British Governor of Sarawak, Sir Alexander Waddel, on a boat with his wife. They were escorted by several gaily decorated boats from the Astana to Pengkalan Batu for the farewell ceremony.   Waddel and his wife were received by Governor-elect Datu Abang Openg and Chief Minister Stephen Kalong Ningkan, cabinet ministers and high-ranking officials.   After the Union Jack was lowered and the state flag raised, Waddel and wife left the state on a Loch Killisport boat. Their departure ended British colonial rule in the state. Also re-enacted was the swearing-in of the pioneer batch of State Cabinet Ministers, comprising Ningkan, Deputy Chief Minister James Wong, Works and  Communications Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, Local Government Minister Dunstan Endawai, Natural Resources Minister Teo Kui Seng and State Minister Awang Hipni Pengiran Anu. In his welcoming speech yesterday, Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, who is the minister-in-charge of the commemoration ceremony, said the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Sarawak Independence in Malaysia was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the exhibition was well timed.   “Among others, the exhibition is intended to show developments implemented by the government since the proclamation of the state’s independence from the British on July 22, 1963,” he said.   Awang Tengah added that July 22, 1963 had a special place in the hearts of all Sarawakians, and the events held yesterday were appropriate as the state wanted its younger generation to understand the sacrifices and struggles of the warriors and leaders in the past 50 years to develop the state to what it is today. “The state cabinet at that time was led by Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan as the state first chief minister. There were five other elected representatives who were elected cabinet ministers.   “The formation of a state cabinet enabled Sarawak to form a self government. This is the historic moment which brought about the independence of Sarawak.” After 50 years, he said only one from the first batch of state cabinet ministers is left — Taib.   “He (Taib) is not only a witness to the history, but is also the creator of the outstanding history of Sarawak for the past 50 years. The chief minister has contributed a lot to the state and country in all aspects.” Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/23/a-chapter-in-history-re-enacted-at-kuching-waterfront/#ixzz2a7LDndTJ

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Old pipes in Demak Laut to be replaced

KUCHING: Work to replace old pipes in various areas under Demak Laut state constituency will be carried out in stages starting with Kampung Muara Tebas.   Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the state government had approved an early allocation of RM500,000, with field work beginning on July 9 and expected to be completed by the middle of next year. He said the current pipes were installed in the early 70s.   “If everything goes well, we expect the pipes to be fully replaced by the middle of next year as the replacement has been given a one-year period to complete and will be managed by the Public Works Department (JKR),” he said when surveying the project at Kampung Muara Tebas recently.   Dr Hazland said the new pipes would enable around 2,800 villagers in the village and its surrounding areas to enjoy clean water supply.   “The current pipe system is rusty and if the pipes are not replaced, it has the potential to cause outbreaks of diseases,” he said.   He pointed out that JKR will install better quality AB3P pipes measuring 150 millimetres compared to the old pipes measuring 101.6 millimetres (four inches).   “I will continue to request the state government to change all the pipes under Demak Laut constituency in the future as well,” he added. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/08/15/old-pipes-in-demak-laut-to-be-replaced/#ixzz2diwm8yfB

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Kenyahs of Long Busang enjoying free power, water supply thanks to Sares, Sawas projects

Kenyahs of Long Busang enjoying free power, water supply thanks to Sares, Sawas projects (From right) Julaihi turns on the valve to signify the completion of the project. Looking on are Liwan and Dr Abdul Rahman. KUCHING (Oct 3): Some 1,300 people from Kenyah 133 households at Long Busang in Belaga have begun to enjoy free electricity and water supply following the completion of Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares) and Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (Sawas) projects. Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, who went to Belaga last Saturday, said these projects reflected Sarawak government’s continuous efforts to provide electricity and water supply to the people throughout the state. “The Sares and Sawas projects cost RM7 million and RM3.5 million, respectively. “The efforts to supply electricity and water off the main grid areas are still being implemented in Sarawak. This is to ensure that the people from all the houses and settlements in Sarawak get to enjoy water and electricity supply,” he said in a statement. Julaihi disclosed that the Sarawak government had also approved RM2.37 billion under the Projek Rakyat (People’s Project) grant to implement electricity supply projects throughout the state. This included two extra-high voltage (EHV) substations, 10 medium voltage (MV) substations, a 500km off-grid electricity supply project adopting medium voltage conductor cover (MVCC) system, Sares, and the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) ‘Last Miles’ that extended grid lines into the interior areas. The Sarawak government had also allocated RM134.6 million to implement the second phase of Sawas involving 22 projects, set to benefit 12,417 households. At the event, Julaihi also approved a RM15,000 grant to Long Busang village development and security committee (JKKK) for the members to organise and run activities. Amongst those present were the respective Deputy Ministers of Utility and Telecommunication I and II, Datuk Liwan Lagang and Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.