Lo speaks to the press. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (May 4): A long-standing low water pressure issue affecting 12 shophouses at Mile 10 here has finally been resolved after nearly two years, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang.
He said the problem, which impacted business operations and daily activities, should not occurred in the first place, stressing that utility services play a vital role in people’s lives.
“For the past two years, these premises did not have proper water supply.
“This should not happen at all,” he told reporters at Lien Huat Cafe here on Monday.
Lo pointed out that essential services such as water, electricity and telecommunications must remain vigilant, as their performance directly affects the public and shapes perceptions of the state government.
“If these are not taken care of, the government will get a bad impression.
“Utility companies must be on their toes all the time,” he said.
Lo also expressed frustration over the delay in resolving the matter, noting that repeated assurances had been given without follow-ups.
“They (Sarawak Water) say ‘we are going to do it, we are going to do it’ but weeks passed with no response at all. “Yet when action was finally taken, the issue was resolved within a week,” he said.
Lo questioned why it took so long to address a problem affecting only a small number of units within a larger area.
“There are more than 300 shop houses here and all of them have water supply.
“Only these 12 units in one row had low pressure.
“Why was this not solved two years ago? How do you explain it to the people?” Lo questioned.
Describing the situation as disappointing, he nevertheless expressed appreciation to local community leaders for their patience and efforts.
“This is my constituency. Of course I am disappointed. So I thank the penghulu (community leader), councillors and the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Mile 10 branch chairman who have been in constant contact with the residents. They have been very patient,” he said.
Lo said the issue was likely due to ageing or inadequate piping infrastructure along the affected stretch.
He explained that the recent solution involved upgrading the water main from a two-inch pipe to a six-inch pipe, ensuring better water flow and pressure.
“This upgrade is important, especially as there is a fire hydrant along this stretch which also experienced low pressure.
“Water should flow quickly, but even the hydrant was affected.
“One month ago, we went to Sarawak Water in Batu Lintang and ‘banged the table.’
“Only then was the problem solved. It should not have come to that point, but it did,” Lo added.
He said while similar cases exist within the Padawan area, none were as severe as this.
Among the areas facing water supply concerns are Kampung Bunga Rampai and RPR Landeh, which he plans to raise at the upcoming State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.
“In Bunga Rampai, there is still water supply at night, but improvements are needed.
“The Water Board mentioned plans to install a high-level tank, but it has also taken two years with no progress,” he said.
Lo expressed hope that Sarawak Water would continue to improve its service delivery and respond more promptly to public complaints in the future.
Also present were SUPP Mile 10 branch chairman Lim Liang Kee, Penghulu Lim Eng Huat, Kapitan Lim Eng Kok and Padawan Municipal Council Councilor Gerald Goh.
