PETRA'S NRW PROGRAMME TO ENHANCE COUNTRY'S WATER INFRASTRUCTURE TO COMMENCE NEXT YEAR

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- The proposal for improvements to the National Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Programme, aimed at enhancing water management across the country, will commence from 2025 until 2030 through grant funding, according to the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA).

The ministry in a statement said that the proposal, which involves a cost of RM2.525 billion, was approved by the Cabinet on July 24, 2024.

"This programme encompass two approaches with the first involving the replacement of critical pipes and holistic NRW solutions in six states, namely Pahang, Kelantan, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan.

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"The second approach is for other states such as Selangor, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Terengganu, Perak, Penang and Kedah, with a prorated reimbursement rate to encourage participation from water operators," according to the statement today.

PETRA also announced that through the Budget 2025, the government has proposed allocations for Kelantan for the replacement of water metres and the repair of water tanks, with the project expected to be completed by 2025.

According to the statement, Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) has also provided a loan of RM211.5 million to replace asbestos pipes over a distance of 393 kilometres (km), which is expected to be completed by October 2025.

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"To date, 176 km have been completed at a cost of RM60.5 million," the statement noted.

PETRA announced that as part of the government’s efforts to reduce NRW rates through improvements to water infrastructure, the construction of the Machang Water Treatment Plant (LRA) in Kelantan is a significant step.

"With the allocation of RM500 million approved on Sept 27, 2023, the government aims to enhance the efficiency of water supply management, in line with the objectives of the National NRW Programme," it stated.

PETRA also reported that the loan will be allocated to PAAB for the construction of the Machang LRA, which will utilise water from the Machang Riverbank Water Reservoir (TAPS).

Although the Kelantan government initially requested to convert the loan into a grant, the government has maintained the loan arrangement with a 10-year moratorium.

According to PETRA, the project is expected to not only address water supply issues in Kelantan but also to reduce NRW rates in the state, while supporting national initiatives to ensure a more efficient and reliable water supply.

It is anticipated that the successful implementation of the Machang Water Treatment Plant and the National NRW Programme will have a significant positive impact on efforts to improve the quality of water supply and reduce NRW rates across the country.

-- BERNAMA