PAPAR: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Limbahau Chief Datuk Johnny Mositun expressed concern over the water supply issue in the State.
Speaking at the PBS Limbahau annual general meeting held in Dewan Mositun here on Saturday, he said a long-term solution is needed.
“Therefore, we need to support the proposal to construct the Papar dam because without a steady supply of clean water, development of the district and State would be hampered.
“The relevant authorities such as the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) are on the ground conducting social impact assessment (SIA) and environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies. Their officers have met me to get my opinion on the matter,” he explained.
Mositun pointed out that the water supply problem in the State is quite critical, especially with many water intake points at rivers declared as polluted and unviable.
According to him, there are many developments planned for Papar and its surrounding areas, including the airport in Kimanis as well as mega projects proposed for Kinarut.
“However, without steady water supply, how can we implement all these plans? How are we to attract investors if we cannot ensure them that there will be no water supply disruptions,” he said.
However, he stressed that the project must not be detrimental to the environment or negatively impact the people.
“Community leaders must also go down to the ground to explain clearly to the people why the dam is needed.
“They must be made to understand that with the dam the clean water supply problem could be resolved,” he said.
In the past, former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin had said rapid development and increasing consumer demands were among reasons for the water supply problem, especially along the west coast.
Bung, who was then Works Minister, added that other factors affecting clean water supply include the pollution of rivers, poor maintenance, broken pipes and other technical problems.
Meanwhile, Johnny expressed disappointment over the delay of the appointment of Village Security and Development committee (JKKK) members in Limbahau.
This matter is long overdue as the JKKKs were supposed to be appointed in December last year, he said.
“I have submitted the name list of recommended individuals to the Papar District Officer with a copy being sent to the Rural Development Ministry but there is yet to be any action taken.
“Without the JKKK, development in the villages cannot be implemented as there is no one the relevant departments can liaise with on the matter,” said Mositun.
The PBS Deputy President also reminded party members to continue its struggles and champion the rights of Sabahans as well as the State. During the AGM, Mositun also received membership applications from 84 people from Kg Kaiduan in Papar which were handed over by their representative Chung Soon Hing.
Also present were PBS Executive Secretary Masilus Roman, PBS Supreme Council member John Masabal and representatives from the party’s Youth and Women Exco.
