LAHAD DATU: The lack of clean water supply in six villages in Ulu Segama seems to be unending, as to this day its residents still rely on rainwater catchments as their source of water.
The water shortage, which is caused by the lack of water pipe connections, has affected more than 4,000 residents in Kg Upak, Tawayari, Pulau, Padising, Liutaupu and Sunduron.
Barak Lenggeng, one of the affected residents, said almost all villages in the district received clean water supply for the past 40 years, but the affected villages still have to depend on rainwater catchment sources.
He said the perennial problem had caused residents to spend thousands of ringgit just to obtain clean water supply.
“If there is a death or a wedding, we have to buy water to fill the tank for the ceremony. (For each ceremony), we usually spend hundreds of ringgit just to buy water,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kg Upak Village Head Baginda Sumoi Rumokai said the water pipe connection to the village may be constructed after the current road upgrade works are completed.
He explained that the contractor involved had informed that if the project was completed, the water supply could be reconnected and not be disrupted again.
