KK water woes must be resolved to attract investors, says Masidi

KOTA KINABALU: Issues with the water supply, particularly in the state capital, must be resolved effectively to consistently attract investors into the state, says Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

The state Finance Minister said much talk has been centred on attracting investors here, but stressed that it is vital that basic facilities are ready and available before this could be achievable.

“You can only convince big time operators to come to Sabah if you can convince them there is [a stable] power and water supply.

Water shortages reflect badly not only on the state water department “but it also reflects Sabah’s commitment to investors”, he told reporters here.

Masidi said this in response to questions from the media over the water supply issue – which seems to have worsened with each passing day – and the state government’s efforts to resolve the problem.

He was also asked whether there was any tangible solution following last month’s meeting with Deputy Chief Minister cum Sabah Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.

Masidi said they are looking at some options, including the privatisation of water services and a change of personnel, although nothing has been decided.

“This issue is under his [Shahelmey’s] ministry’s jurisdiction, so I don’t want to be seen as interfering.

“It was more of a brainstorming session, and we felt there must be more of such sessions to come up with some practical solutions to the problem.

“I know it’s not easy, a lot people think if we change the people then the problem will be solved but it doesn’t work that way.

“There are factors and issues that are beyond the water department with other ministries involved too.

“But what we are saying is we are looking at all options available to the state to, probably not solve the problem once and for all but, come up with a roadmap that will lead to solutions,” Masidi said.

As a short-term measure, he said the department would probably need to proactively supply water to affected areas.