JULAU – The RM25.7 million Julau Water Supply Construction Project Package 1 has commenced full operations following its completion in August, marking a major step towards improving treated water supply capacity and distribution for communities in the area.
Fully funded by the Sarawak Government, the project was implemented as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen basic water infrastructure and improve the reliability of clean water services for residents.
Sarawak Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the project began on 25 August 2024 and was designed to increase treated water production capacity while addressing the water supply needs of the local population.
The completed package involves several major infrastructure upgrades, including an expansion of the Julau Water Treatment Plant’s production capacity by 3.4 million litres per day (JLH). It also covers the construction of a raw water intake facility, a raw water pumping station and the installation of a new pipeline network stretching 28.8 kilometres.
These improvements are intended to strengthen the water supply system, from the collection and pumping of raw water to treatment and distribution. Increasing treatment capacity is also expected to support a more consistent supply as demand from households and other users continues to require adequate infrastructure.
According to Julaihi, the Sarawak Government continues to prioritise access to clean and treated water as an essential public service. He noted that reliable water infrastructure plays an important role not only in meeting everyday household requirements but also in supporting economic activities, protecting public health and improving overall living standards.
The project is expected to bring direct benefits to residents across three main areas through improvements in water pressure, distribution coverage and supply continuity.
The first area is Pekan Julau, where the upgraded infrastructure is expected to improve water pressure and provide a more consistent supply to residents and other consumers in the town.
The second covers communities along the stretch from Bejawai to Nanga Luau. Infrastructure improvements in this area are intended to widen access to clean and treated water, supporting households that rely on the local distribution network for their daily needs.
The third area involves the water distribution system along Jalan KJD, particularly the section between Mile 15 and Mile 17. Improvements to this network are expected to strengthen distribution and address supply-related challenges affecting communities along the route.
The three areas form part of the project’s broader objective of improving water service delivery beyond the treatment plant itself. While increased production capacity is an important component, the effectiveness of the overall system also depends on adequate pumping facilities, pipeline infrastructure and distribution arrangements to deliver treated water to consumers.
With Package 1 now fully operational, the upgraded facilities provide additional capacity for Julau’s water supply network. The improvements are expected to support more reliable access to treated water while strengthening essential infrastructure for residents across the affected communities.
The completion of the RM25.7 million project reflects the Sarawak Government’s continued investment in public utilities, particularly water supply infrastructure, as part of efforts to improve access to essential services and support community development throughout the state. — Sarawak Daily
