The Ministry of Development (MoD) has implemented several projects to improve the water supply system and its quality.
Repair works at Bukit Barun, Layong and Seria water treatment plants; replacement of water pumps and old leaking pipes; and cleaning approximately 40 water tanks periodically were among the initiatives that have been carried out.
Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid said this in delivering his ministry’s budget for the 2024/2025 financial year yesterday.
“These projects have lowered disruptions of water supply and will continue to be carried out. Ensuring water supply to remote areas have also been given priority.
“The past year, the Public Works Department has been supplying water from Jalan Labi to remote areas in Ulu Belait, namely Kampong Sukang and Kampong Melilas.
“Prior to the installation of a water pipeline, residents had to harvest rainwater or obtain it from rivers with the help of a ‘slow sand filtration’ system. In January 2024, Kampong Melilas Longhouse started receiving water through pipes.
“Some BND43,133,263 will be allocated in 2024/2025 to improve the network of water channels, maintenance of water tanks, and upgrading water treatment plants in all districts.”
The minister also shared, “A treatment plant is being constructed at Bukit Barun in the Tutong District. Once completed, the plant will be able to supply approximately 120 million litres of clean water per day to residents in the Brunei-Muara District.
“For the Belait District, efforts are being made at Agis-Agis Water Treatment Plant in Sungai Liang to increase its capacity by approximately 36 million litres per day by 2026. For the Temburong District, the water treatment plant in Kampong Batang Duri is being upgraded to increase its capacity by 20 million litres of clean water per day, a 100-per-cent increase from the current output.
“Currently, under the 11th National Development Plan, two projects are currently being implemented – the construction of Lakiun and Batang Duri tanks – expected to be complete at year-end.” – Azlan Othman
