Natural Source…waterfall plays a major role in regulating the source of water supply especially in rural areas

Until recently, the utilities sector in the State was under the purview of the Ministry of Finance and Public Utilities.

On 1 st July 2004, the Ministry of Public Utilities was separated from the Ministry of Finance and came into its own, headed by a Minister, two Assistant Ministers and a Permanent Secretary.

The creation of the new Ministry underlines the importance accorded by the state government to the utilities sector in the state.

The Ministry’s vision was “ to be the lead authority that provides the strategic direction and policy thrust for utilities sector in Sarawak”.

Utilities under the purview of the Ministry are:-
a) Water
(b) Electricity
(c) Gas
(d) Telecommunication Infrastructure

Water Supply

Water is a major and important component of the Utilities Sector, being not only essential for life but also for economic development in the State.

Water comprises the most basic and critical component of all aspects of human life and is an indispensable component of the global life support system.

The water environment is characterized by the hydrological cycle, including floods and droughts, with some regions of the world being more vulnerable to their devastating consequences.

The complex nature of problems and issues requires an integrated planning and management of water resources. Such integration must cover all components of the hydrologic cycle, including surface water bodies (lakes and rivers), groundwater aquifer, coastal areas (including mangroves), and open-sea marine environments.

This integrated approach should give due consideration to both water quantity and quality aspects. The multi-sectoral nature of water resources development in the context of sustainable development should be recognized.

It is also important to appreciate the multi-interest utilization of water resources for water supply and sanitation, agriculture, industry, urban development, hydropower generation, fisheries, transportation, recreation, and other activities.

The operation, maintenance, and construction of public water supply systems, including production, acquisition, and distribution of water to general public or to other public or private utilities, for residential, commercial, and industrial use now come under the purview of the Ministry.

At the 17 th Annual National District Water Engineers’ Conference in Miri in December 2004, Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, the Minister of Public Utilities assured that the new Water Supply Division within his Ministry will ensure a sound water supply management and administration system for the benefit of water consumers in Sarawak.

Datuk Awang Tengah also revealed that the state government has set aside a sum of RM246 million or about 13 per cent of the 2005 total development budget for public utilities, the bulk of which goes to water supply projects and services.

The Water Supply Division of the Ministry is set up to perform the following functions:-

Planning and Policy

1. To formulate policies and strategies for the supply of adequate, reliable, and safe water to comply with the National Drinking Water Quality Standard (NDWQS).

2. To review current policies when necessary.

3. To ensure that plans, projects and activities of departments and agencies under the purview of the Ministry are in line with policy direction.

4. To disseminate current policy to department and agencies under the purview of the Ministry.

5. To provide technical support to the Sarawak Water Resource Council (SWRC).

6. To liaise with both State and Federal Agencies on Development Programs/Projects.

Regulatory

1. To formulate and review current legislations with the view to facilitating the development of the Sector.

2. To administer existing provisions of Water Ordinance, Water Supply Regulations and other relevant provisions pertaining to utility services.

3. To provide administrative support to the State Water Authority.

Development and Monitoring

1. To examine and endorse department and agencies development proposals and budget.

2. To monitor the implementation of programmes, projects and activities of department and agencies under the purview of the Ministry.

3. To coordinate and ensure that the projects are implemented according to schedule, budget and scheme values.

Major Challenges

One of the major challenges to the Ministry is the management of water resources in the State. An optimal balance has to be achieved between conservation and protection of water resources and land development.

Another major challenge is to extend the supply of safe and treated water to every village in the State. Action has and is being taken to address these and other challenges.

The Ministry of Public Utilities is confident that with the co-operation and assistance of all Ministries, departments and agencies concerned, the water needs of the State shall be well taken care of and that adequate, affordable, clean and safe water shall be available to all.