KOTA KINABALU: Sabah could expect a better water supply within the next six months following a RM320 million allocation from the federal government to resolve the state’s water woes.
State Public Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said 20 programmes would be immediately implemented in Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Putatan, Papar, Beaufort, Keningau, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Sandakan.
“For short-term or immediate measures, we are focusing on reducing non-revenue water (NRW).
“We have 20 programmes to be implemented immediately and they will be completed within six to 12 months to restore the water situation in Sabah.
“Among the programmes are to cut illegal supply tapping, repair and replace ageing pipes, add pump boosters and replace broken water pumps.
“Hopefully, within the next six months, the community could enjoy a better water supply,” Shahelmey told reporters at Balai Raya Terbuka in Kampung Tanjung Aru Lama here.
Earlier, he handed over Muslim funeral service equipment to representatives of 14 mosques and surau from the Tanjung Aru constituency.
Shahelmey, who is deputy chief minister, said the state Water Department had been instructed to manage the distribution of water supply to consumers while waiting for the Telibong 2 water treatment plant project to be completed.
“We have instructed the Water Department to manage the distribution of water supply, especially in Kota Kinabalu, Putatan and north of Papar.
“The water treatment plant will provide an additional 80 million litres of water per day for Kota Kinabalu.
“On behalf of the Sabah government, we thank the federal government for helping us solve the water supply problem.”
It was reported yesterday that the federal government had approved a RM320.25 million allocation to help Sabah solve its water woes.
Shahelmey said at a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya yesterday, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor presented the state government’s long-term plan, including the construction of two dams in Papar and Upper Padas, Sipitang, to ensure sustainable water supply in Sabah.
Source: New Straits Times
