SEMATAN – The Sarawak government has initiated three infrastructure projects in the Lundu district aimed at improving connectivity and water supply for rural communities.
The initiatives include the construction of a new concrete bridge in Kampung Sebako 2 and upgrades to gravity-fed water pipe systems in Kampung Sebako 1 and 2 and Kampung Jantan.
The projects were announced and handed over at a site event attended by local leaders and representatives. Opar state assemblyman Billy Sujang said work on the new bridge began on 7 November and is budgeted at RM7 million.
He told attendees the bridge is scheduled for completion on 6 November 2026 and will provide safer, more reliable links for villagers travelling to farms and gardens, as well as between neighbouring communities.
Billy said the bridge will also support the construction of new agricultural access roads once complete, enabling farmers to bring produce to market more efficiently.
He described the works as part of the state’s ongoing effort to raise living standards in rural areas by improving fundamental infrastructure.
In a separate announcement at the same event, Billy handed over a recently completed upgrade to the gravity pipe water system serving Kampung Sebako 1 and 2.
The RM688,850 project was carried out between 17 March and 16 September 2025 and, according to organisers, has improved the reliability and quality of the local clean water supply, benefiting households and the pupils and staff of SK Sebako.
The first phase of a gravity pipe upgrade in Kampung Jantan has also been completed. That project, at a cost of RM450,000, ran from 28 July to 27 October 2025.
Work on a second phase is due to continue, with an additional RM150,000 allocated to extend treated water access to every home in the village.
Billy noted many of the village water systems were originally installed under the Water Supply and Environmental Hygiene Programme (BAKAS) more than three decades ago, and this round of upgrades is intended to modernise those ageing installations and ensure long-term service.
Beyond the local projects, the Lundu district is scheduled to receive two major state-funded water infrastructure schemes, which seek to broaden treated water coverage and enhance supply resilience across Lundu and Sematan.
The proposed new Lundu New Water Treatment Plant at Kampung Sedaing and the Lundu–Sematan Regional Treated Water Pipe Extension together represent a significant investment by the Sarawak government in the district’s water services.
These larger projects have been reported as being implemented through the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication and the Rural Water Supply Department, and are intended to provide more consistent treated water to the region.
Officials said both regional projects will be fully funded by the state and are expected to support growing demand and rural development in the longer term.
Local leaders emphasised that reliable water, sound road links and safe bridges are essential not only for day-to-day living but also for opening economic opportunities, reducing transport times for agricultural goods, and improving access to education and services.
