Pulau Gaya selected for ‘prepaid' system for clean water supply

KOTA KINABALU: Pulau Gaya, located at a 10-minute boat ride from the city here, has been chosen for the pilot ‘prepaid’ system for clean water supply.

The RM5.3mil project will involve two villages on the island, Kampung Kesuapan and Kampung Pulau Gaya, where 510 stilt houses will be installed with the system within the next five months.

Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Junz Wong said this was expected to solve issues like non-revenue water (NRW), adding that if found to be successful, the governnment would extend the project to other water villages as well as those facing water supply issues.

Wong, who is Tanjung Aru assemblyman, said at present, there was a privatised initiative where the operator would sell clean water to residents here.

“But with this proposed pilot project where each house will be installed with a water meter, the villagers will be paying the same tariff like those in condominiums, namely RM1.30 per cubic metre.

“The design part has been completed and the budget has been approved by the Finance Ministry; we are only waiting for the contractor’s appointment.

“The allocation came from the Water Department. So, I have to thank State Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony for this, ” he told reporters during a programme with the people at SK Pulau Gaya on Tuesday (Aug 3).

In his speech earlier, he also reminded community leaders on the island to monitor and ensure that no new houses are built which are not gazetted by the state government.

Asked about a recent report where Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) had claimed monthly losses of RM44,800 due to illegal power connection at Kg Kesuapan and Kg Lok Urai on the island, Wong admitted that this was a problem, much like losses from NRW state-wide.

“For now, it is most important to see that SESB is returned to the state government as soon as possible as we do not have the authority to instruct them what to do as they are still under federal (government), ” he said without elaborating on the Pulau Gaya issue.

On the pilot project, Sabah Water Department director Amarjit Singh, who was present, said it was going to be in charge of selling the prepaid cards and this would not be outsourced to any other party.

Expressing excitement about the project, Kg Pulau Gaya villager Lamit Gara said this would significantly reduce the clean water supply expenses they were currently paying.

“At present, I buy water at RM7 for 220 litres, which is about (the volume of) a drum. That is not enough if you have a big family and it may not last the whole day.

“Even if we save water like we bathe using salt water first, then rinse with clean water, the most we can save is RM250 a month for nine people, ” said the 57-year-old, who said they also collect rainwater to wash clothes and dishes.

“The cost introduced via prepaid system will be much cheaper.

“And with clean water being accessible for 24 hours, we will finally achieve real freedom (merdeka), ” he said.