HULU LANGAT: All states agree that replacing ageing pipes should be the priority in addressing the country’s non-revenue water (NRW) issue, said Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof yesterday.
He said the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and related agencies had secured consensus with all state governments that pipe replacement was the most effective solution.
“At yesterday’s (Tuesday) National Physical Planning Council meeting with the prime minister, I reported that engagement sessions with all state governments by SPAN and our agencies showed unanimous agreement that pipe replacement must be the main focus.
“The business model and financing mechanism will be detailed further, but what is certain is that we cannot rely on the current annual replacement rate of only two to three per cent if we want to resolve the problem nationwide,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant (LRA Langat 2) here yesterday.
Fadillah also said replacing old pipes was a more cost-effective way to reduce NRW by 40 per cent, compared with building a new treatment plant.
He said the current focus of the ministry and its agencies was to strengthen efforts to repair and replace old and deteriorating pipes.
“Replacing old pipes could save up to 40 per cent of water that is currently being lost, and this treated water can be channelled directly to consumers.
“That is why we have decided to accelerate the replacement of old pipes, which will directly address NRW issues,” he added.
He said that cooperation with state governments must continue in the planning and development of new water infrastructure.
“This is to ensure that the water supply needs of both domestic users and critical industries for state development can be met — as has been carried out with the Selangor state government in past and future projects under the Malaysia Plans,” he said.
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