KOTA KINABALU: The Babagon Dam has enough water supply for half a million people in this city and its surrounding areas, says Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
The Deputy Chief Minister III said the dam, located some 25km from here, is at a healthy level despite the ongoing dry spell.
He assured that the water reserved could sustain for the next three months without rain.
For Kota Kinabalu, the challenge is not on water shortage but the distribution system, added Shahelmey, who is also Sabah Works Minister.
“We have done some improvements over issues related to non-revenue water and illegal piping,” he told reporters at the Jentayu Sustainables Berhad’s Raya open house yesterday.
In the drought-hit Papar district, Shahelmey said the situation has slightly improved.
He added that both the Jetama and Kogopon water plants are now producing about 49 million litres water per day (MLD), a little short by 10 to 12MLD.
“The treatment plants operation under the Emergency Water Supply Schemes in Limbahau remains closed due to high chloride content in the water,” he said.
Shahelmey said the Water Department will continue to distribute water to affected residents by tankers or static tanks.
As for the southeast region of Tawau district – the Sebatik island and Banggi, he said although there was rain, the water level at its dams is still low.
“The water plant in Sebatik operates 16 hours a week with very minimal water while Banggi continues to get water aid from the tube well,” Shahelmey added.
