LABUAN: Almost two days of dry tapes in the town area here have severely affected businesses, especially coffee shops, many of which were forced to close. And it remains to be seen when water supply will return to normal.
The Water Supply Department (JBA) posted a notice on Nov 3 stating that the disruption is due to replacement of six outlet valves at the water treatment plant at Jalan Kolam. The valve replacement work has been delayed due to heavy rain.
Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman Datuk Wong Kii Yii said it was shameful for Labuan, an international financial centre, oil and gas hub and a tourist destination, to experience such water crisis.
“This morning, I welcomed some guests from China and was told when checking into a hotel that it has rooms but no water.
“This is quite an embarrassment since I had spoken highly of Labuan to the visitors. Imagine the impression they have,” he said.
Wong said it was ironic that such water woes were still lingering after the Madani Government had allocated RM300 million more than a year ago to address Labuan’s water issues.
“It could be acceptable if the water supply is cut off for few hours but not for two days.”
Wong said when Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof visited the island, he acknowledged the need for additional manpower and credible contractors for solutions and to tackle the challenges.
Labuan receives water supply from the Lawa Gadong Water Treatment Plant in Beaufort via a 25.7km undersea pipeline connected to the Pulau Eno main distribution tank.
