Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Kuala Belait - The water supply to Belait District is unique as the usage of water for industries is high, at around 50 per cent of the overall water supplied, while it stands at 39 per cent for other districts.

This was aid by Acting Director of Water Services Abu Hanipah bin Haji Talip in his welcoming speech at the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of the Kargu Dam and Reservoir project yesterday morning.

He said, 'The supply of water for industries in Belait District is expected to increase, especially with the Sungai Liang Industrial Park."

He noted the need to understand that "the industrial activities represent economic drivers for the development and security of a nation.

"Therefore, the department has done a long-term planning with the construction of the Kargu darn

to guarantee long-term water supply in assisting the growth of industries in the district."

He also said, "With the new dam, the department believes that the water supply in Belait District will be sufficient for domestic and industrial needs until 2030, even with the fully developed Sungai Liang Industrial Park.

"For the water needs after 2030, the department identified potential sources of water for feasibility study.

"The project has been approved and will be implemented in the 9'''National Development Plan (2007-2012).

"In addition, the department is currently implementing a number of projects to increase the reliability of water supply for the whole nation.

"Among the projects are the construction of an additional water treatment plant in Bukit Barun, Tutong, a new plant in Kampong Sumbiling, Temburong, and a new plant in Sungai Liang, Belait.

"There are also works done to raise the standard and replace water distribution pipes for the whole country."

Abu Hanipah also urged members of the public against excessive use of water. "Corn pared with our neighboring countries, we are very fortunate that the water rate is very low," he said. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin