WATER supply disruptions in Sabah, especially in northern Kota Kinabalu, are due to the current demand rate for treated water exceeding 221 Million Litres Per Day (MLD) compared to the capacity of 171 MLD, the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) was told on Aug 10.
Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said it showed a shortage of supply to the area by 29.2 per cent, therefore a supply restoration programme was being carried out.
“Our short-term programme started last June until now, which is to regulate the water flow around Kota Kinabalu and Tuaran, coordinate and modify the flow balance because there are places where we find there is water pressure or the comfort zone and there are also areas with low water pressure, so we are balancing them.
“We restructured the water supply management and cut the direct connection where previously there was a direct transmission line from the tank to the main tank which caused pressure disturbances.
“The feedback is that it (situation) is gradually stabilising, but there are still areas with low water pressure,” he told Moyog Assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking regarding plans to deal with water problems, especially at the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital (HWKK) in Likas here.
Elaborating, Shahelmey said the replacement of old water pipes, especially “asbestos cement pipes” which are over decades old, is also being done in stages which is also one of the reasons for the high percentage of non-revenue water (NRW).
Shahelmey also urged elected representatives to give their full backing for the construction of two proposed dams to ensure the State’s long-term water supply.
He said Sabah required the dams to meet the growing demand for water.
“The State Government has plans to build the Ulu Padas Dam and Papar Dam. Papar Dam, or Kaiduan Dam, had received objections from certain parties.
“We are conducting a feasibility study expected to come in October before a decision can be made,” Shahelmy told Darell and Senallang Assemblyman Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal who wanted an explanation for water interruptions at the HWKK.
Shahelmy said the issue (HWKK) has been resolved.
“The State Water Department responded immediately to restore supply by implementing control measures at the sluice gates to ensure even distribution of water supply and increase water pressure,” he said.
Shahelmey said major water infrastructure projects underway include upgrading the Telibong II Phase II Water Treatment Plant expected to be ready early next month.
Upon completion, the facility can supply an additional 20 per cent treated water at an estimated 16 MLD (million litres per day) to meet the needs of residents and industries in Sepanggar which includes UITM, UMS, Likas Hospital, ILP, IKM and SSM.
Shahelmy said the additional 16 MLD will greatly help in solving supply problems in affected areas until the full completion of the Telibong II Phase II project, which includes the installation of new pipelines.
Darell also wanted to know why low water pressure continues to occur and if a White Paper would be necessary to explain the quality of water distributed through ageing and faulty pipes.
“The State Water Department has started its recovery programme which involves monitoring, supervision, coordination and adjusting water distribution to address disparities in water pressure and non-revenue water,” said Shahelmy.
On the proposed White Paper, he said the Government is open to discussions or explanations to ensure the public is informed on Sabah’s water security.
