The current water demand in Selangor and the Federal Territory is estimated to be 2,870 million litres a day (mld) this year (2000). It is projected that this demand is likely to almost double to 5,000 mld by 2010 and further to 9,000 mld by 2050. Forecasted high population and industrial growth rates and increased urbanisation are factors driving this increasing demand for water. In the last 30 years alone, water demand has increased 10 times.
Current water supply schemes are sufficient to cater to demand until the year 2003 by which time a new source of supply is needed, or the state will face another water shortage, similar to the situation in 1998.
SSP3 is this next scheme that needs to be implemented as part of the state's long term water supply management plan. It is the last viable major water supply source within the state that can be developed, after which future water supply will need to be sourced from a neighbouring state (Pahang).
Construction work for SSP3 is in progress and comprises a regulating dam over the Sungai Selangor near Kuala Kubu Baru and two major water treatment plants at Rasa and Bukit Badong. When completed in stages from 2001 to 2005, SSP3 will provide an additional 1,050 mld of treated water for 2 million residents and new industries in Selangor and the Federal Territory.
Water is a basic resource requirement vital to sustain population and industries. Selangor and the Federal Territory, being the two most populous states in the country, continue to experience growth and development.
The combined population of Selangor (2.8 million) and Federal Territory (1.4 million) make up for 20% of the population in the country; and yet it is estimated population will continue to grow at a rate of 6% over the next 10 years. Population in the Klang Valley is estimated at 8.6 million by 2010.
In terms of economic growth, Selangor continues to attract investors. With positive growth projections of 6.1% (in 2000), the sectors contributing to Selangor's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be manufacturing (52%), services sector (40%) and construction (4%).
Other development areas such as agriculture, tourism, property, small and medium scale industries, infrastructure and industry technology will all spur the state to greater growth.
The existing industrial zones are Petaling, Klang, Gombak, Kuala Langat, Ulu Langat, Sepang and Kuala Lumpur, in addition to these, 14 new growth areas, in the northern and southern coastal areas, have also been identified for development by 2005. Satellite towns are also being developed away from the Klang Valley, with rapid development already taking place in Hulu Selangor.
To support this great expansion and development programme, the supply of water must be reliable and readily available. The role of SSP3 is to provide for this expected development.
SSP3 will also bring about positive benefits to local communities in Kuala Kubu Bharu. The project has already provided employment and businesses for the local people. So far, more than 50 from the Orang Asli communities from Kg. Gerachi and Kg. Pertak have been employed on a part-time and full-time basis on construction site jobs such as liaison officers, assistant excavator operators, chainmen, flagmen, chain-saw operators, watchmen and general workers.
The project will generate and spin off growth in related industries such as transport service, insurance and banking for the local KKB communities.
