SIBU: The Kakus constituency has been allocated 200 1Malaysia water tanks, said its assemblyman Assistant Minister of Local Government Datuk John Sikie Tayai.

He was replying to a question about the allocation for 1Malaysia water tanks for the constituency and the water supply situation there following the prevailing dry and hot weather.

“Recipients are, therefore, urged to make good use of their tanks,” Sikie, who is also Assistant Minister of Native Adat and Penan Affairs, told thesundaypost yesterday.

Meanwhile during a recent briefing on the 1Malaysia Water Tank Supply Project here, state director of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, Jasni Jubli said a total of 13,217 1Malaysia Water Tanks would be distributed this year to six divisions, namely Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Kapit.

The briefing was conducted by the ministry, State Federal Development Office and Rural Development Ministry.

It is also reported that nine contractors have been appointed to deliver the water tanks, including its components such as PVC pipes, bend PVC, elbow PVC, water taps, and gutter PVC.

A total of 81,172 tanks were distributed statewide between 2012 and 2014, incurring a contract cost of RM197.32 million.

On water supply in Kakus, Sikie said the government did not face many problems.

However, he advised longhouse folk in the area to be prudent in their usage of water.

“Those who have piped water supply are urged to collect rainwater for non-essential use such as washing of clothes and cleaning,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, in a recent press conference after chairing the State Disaster Relief Committee meeting in Kuching on preparations to face the current drought, was quoted to have said that there would be less rainfall over the next three months.

However, he also said the overall situation was not expected to be critical.

Jabu said this was based on reports received from various agencies, including the Meteorological Services Department and other experts.

The deputy chief minister was further quoted to have said that the committee had directed for the priority to be given to areas likely to experience water shortage, and for remedial action to be taken, if any.

Jabu also pointed out that the Welfare Department would be supplying 10 boxes of water per family – up from four boxes previously – to ensure that there would be no water shortage during the festive season.