LABUAN: Labuan water woes seem to be a never-ending story despite millions of ringgit allocated to upgrade the system.
A major burst of water pipeline of 800mm near the water pump station at Rancha Rancha since July 15 had caused dry taps in more than 20 villages including the Matriculation college and business premises in the town area.
The Water Department which issued notice of this on July 16 expected 18,000 households to be affected and was speeding up the repairs, no specific date had been mentioned when supplies would be fully restored.
In the meantime, the department delivered water to severely affected households.
Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Datuk Dahlif Singh, said:
“It is ironic that even the millions of ringgit allocated to overcome the water issue in Labuan, major pipe bursts continue to occur and without the department’s swift ability to address the matter.
“Due to the situation, several coffee shops were unable to operate business, adding to the struggling times.”
He hoped the department would treat Labuan water woes seriously.
“Dry taps not only caused misery but affected the island’s image as well.”
The island-state’s water woes had been continuing over the last few years with the department issuing more than 50 notices of water disruption per year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. during his visit here last year. announced an allocation of RM300 million to overcome the problem.
Recently, Minister in the PM’s Department (Federal Territories), Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said there would be fewer complaints on Labuan water supplies had efforts had been made to improve to better enjoy the basic amenity.
She also said the Federal government had distributed 1,000 water storage tanks to 1,000 households which were frequently affected.
The upgrading works involved replacement of ageing assets and obsolete pipes stretching over 35km.
Labuan presently receives 80 per cent of water from the mainland which is channelled via 25.7km subsea pipeline from the Padas river.
