Kota Kinabalu: Sabahans are questioning the State Government’s priorities with its aspirations to implement non-essential projects such as space programmes and airport location when basic amenities such as water supply are still subpar, said a Parti Warisan leader.
Warisan Kota Kinabalu Division Information Chief Samuel Wong said it was nonsensical for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government to announce such developments when there are more pressing issues such as water and electricity disruptions, poor roads and rising living costs.
“What are they (GRS Government) thinking? They even have the guts to shout ‘Sabah Maju Jaya’ when the people are really suffering.
“Moreover, will foreign investors have the confidence to invest in Sabah when our State’s basic infrastructures are so poor?
“Sabahans deserve better living conditions and reliable access to basic utilities. Sabahans have been deprived for more than 50 years. We are living in the 21st century, and we Sabahans are still struggling to get basic utilities?” he said in a statement, Tuesday.
He added that even in the heart of urban Kota Kinabalu, a luxury condominium has been grappling with severe water disruptions for nearly a month, experiencing up to four days of water outages per week.
“Residents have expressed their frustrations as they await timely water supply tanks from the State Water Department (SWD), only to be disappointed on numerous occasions.
“The ongoing water crisis throughout Sabah raises concerns about the living conditions and prompts questions about the Government’s response and prioritisation of issues,” he said.
Samuel said the ongoing water crisis is getting worse day by day, and have left many questioning if they are living in a third-world country.
“Access to basic utilities like water is an essential human right and should not be compromised.
“Residents in the capital city are suffering, what more in other areas and in the interiors? I can’t imagine,” said Samuel.
He said the prolonged water crisis has left affected Sabahans throughout the State wondering about the Government’s actions and sense of urgency in addressing the issue.
He added that despite their reliance on water supply tanks, the delivery is not always punctual, while some areas do not even receive water supply tanks from the SWD most of the time.
“Sabahans rightfully seek answers about the root cause of the water crisis and the GRS Government’s emergency short-term and long-term plans to solve this issue.
“The GRS government’s response to the water crisis has left Sabahans frustrated and disheartened due to lack of transparency and communication.
Moreover, the water crisis is taking a toll on the local economy. Tourism sector such as hospitality, food and beverage will suffer as tourists will reconsider their travel plans amid the water uncertainties,” he said.
