PUTATAN: The Sabah Government is urging its Water Department to take more proactive measures to address the serious ongoing water supply disruptions across the state, said State Minister of Works Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
“I receive complaints about water disruptions in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan daily. The Water Department is constantly working to stabilise the supply, but the challenges vary depending on the area,” said Shahelmey during a Chinese New Year walkabout programme in Putatan, Sunday.
He explained that recent heavy rainfall in areas such as Telibong and Kasigui caused water intake points to be submerged, while aging pipes, damaged pumps, and construction-related pipeline breaks further worsened the situation.
Shahelmey, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III, added that additional water supply capacity would soon benefit the affected areas.
“The Telibong II Water Treatment Plant, though completed end of 2023, we are still constructing the new pipeline which will channel water to Sepanggar. This is under construction and expected to be completed by July. Once completed, the additional capacity can be optimised.
“In Putatan, the Water Department, through Jetama, is working on a new five megalitres per day (MLD) water treatment plant under the Urgent Water Supply Scheme.
This is expected to be completed by April or May this year, adding much-needed supply for the surrounding areas.”
He also mentioned the long-term solution of the Padas Hydropower Dam, providing provide raw water resources to Kimanis, Papar, and Putatan.
“This project will secure water supply for more than 50 years. The future is very bright, but at the same time, we need to take short-term measures to address the disruptions,” he said.
Shahelmey assured the public that the government is committed to resolving the issue and emphasised the importance of consistent maintenance efforts to minimise disruptions.
