Water panel can help Sabah better manage its resources

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah can better monitor its water resources and supply by setting up a water management commission, says Datuk Dr Amarjit Singh.

The former Sabah Water Department director said the main task of the commission would be on planning as well as proposals and projects concerning resources and supply in the state, which has been facing water woes.

Many countries in the world, said Amarjit, had adopted this method such as Australia, Britain and India.

He said while the current water resources commission headed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan was already in place, it did not comprehensively address water issues.

“With the inception of a Sabah water management commission, it can assist in a broader spectrum and in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan.

“This commission is necessary in Sabah to fulfil the water demands of the future generation,” he said yesterday.

Among others, the commission, said Amarjit, would be entrusted to provide consultancy to the state government on water issues, including schemes for the control, conservation and utilisation of resources and supply throughout the state.

These would also cover issues such as flood control, irrigation, navigation, treated water supply and hydro power development, he added.

“The commission could prepare a blueprint for the state to prevent the scarcity of water resources and supply for the next 50 to 100 years.

Amarjit said the commission would alleviate the burden on state water agencies as its core duties would among others involve managing water production and distribution, collection of revenue and ensure sufficient water for irrigation.