KUCHING, Sept 13 — Balai Ringin state assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan today explained today that the water supply problem at Kampung Telagus — which was highlighted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at a state banquet here last night — would be resolved once Package 2 of the Serian Regional Project is complete.

He said the state government has granted funding totalling RM260 million for Packages 1 and 2 to resolve the water supply problems, not just at Kampung Telagus, but also in other villages in his constituency.

"Package 1 of the project involves the supply of treated water from Slabi Water Treatment Plant in Serian to Simpang Simunjan,” Snowdan, who is also the state deputy minister of tourism, creative industry and performing arts, said when responding to the King’s statement.

"The scope of works consists of laying the main pipe, reticulation pipe and communication pipe to every household and consumer in that area,” he said, adding that a high-level water tank with a capacity of 3MLD (million litre daily) will also be built at Melikin, also in the state constituency.

He said this project is estimated to cost RM100 million with a grant from the state government.

He added that Package 2 will involve laying of the main pipeline, reticulation pipe and communication pipe to every household and consumer from Simpang Simunjan, Sabal, Bukit Punda until Simunjan.

"It will consist of the construction of a high-level water tank with capacity 1.8 MLD at Sabal/Bukit Punda and booster pump station to be situated at Simpang Simunjan and also a high-level water tank with capacity 2.6 MLD,” he said.

This is estimated to cost RM160 million also with grants from the state government, he said.

"For short-term measures, the Resident Office of Serian Division, the Balai Ringin sub-district office and the Serian District Office, together with the Rural Water Supply Department, are sending water by tankers to help supply water to the villagers of KampungTelagus during this drought season.

Snowdan expressed his gratitude to Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah for highlighting the water supply problem at Kampung Telagus as one of the two areas that are in need of water supply.