Annual report on Sarawak.

Date:
[1950]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Annual report on Sarawak. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    159/230 (page 99)
    minimum charge of $1 per month. The smallest size of meter is provided free and there is a small rent for the larger sizes. Since the war the increase in population, and the poor state of the service pipes and meters resulted in an increased consumption. It has been necessary to curtail the supply to certain parts of the town lor a few hours per dav throughout the year. Nevertheless the consumption during 1950 averaged 1,195,342 gallons per day. Work on the replacement of defective services and the overhaul of meters has progressed so far as supplies have permitted, but there still remains much to be done. The main pipeline from Matang was due for replacement before the war owing to severe corrosion of the steel pipe. The first consignment of 3 miles of 15 Class D cast iron pipes arrived during 1948 and the balance delivered in 1949-50. Laying of these pipes commenced in May and 868 lengths were laid during the year making a total length of about 3J miles. The replacement of this pipeline will give an improved supply except during period of draught but the increasing demand necessitates provision of an additional supply. Surveys in connection with this have been carried out during the year. During 1948 the sub-fluvial pipe at Padungan was relaid (1,100 feet of 4 galvanised steel pipe) and the pipeline along Batu Lintang road was extended as far as Rock Road. (1,200 feet of 6 cast iron pipes). During 1949 the sub-fluvial pipe at Thompson road was relaid (860 feet of 4 galvanised steel pipe) and an additional distribution main was laid to the Padungan area (1,070 feet of 9 cast iron pipe). Replacement of the old emergency pump and pump house at the lower reservoirs was completed during the year. Work was begun in February on the preparation of the site for the construction! of an additional pressed steel storage tank (1,600,000 gallons capacity). The tank has been delivered and the concrete foundations were nearing completion! at the end of the year in readiness for erection in March, 1951. Simunjan and Bau. Gravity water supplies exist at Simunjan and Bau, the water being of good quality, but the mains and distribution pipes are extremely badly corroded and the supplies are inadequate and unsatisfactory. Schemes for the renovation of these supplies are in preparation and financial provision for putting the work in hand is being made.