Cause of public concern: Villagers rely on the remaining muddy ponds in Tangkarason for their daily water supply.
SANDAKAN: The Sabah government is working to connect drought-stricken Tangkarason to a proper water supply system after weeks of public concern over the village’s reliance on crocodile-infested rivers and muddy ponds.
Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the state has identified the remote village in Beluran as a priority under a rural water supply programme.
“A plan is in place to connect Tangkarason to a main pipe from the Paitan trunk line.
“Discussions are ongoing with the Water Department, and the district office has been instructed to arrange for temporary water supply to the village health clinic,” he said.
Tangkarason is in the Paitan sub-district, a remote and sparsely-populated area known for its rugged terrain and scattered settlements.
It was previously reported that Tangkarason’s 3,000 residents have long struggled without piped water, relying on unsafe rivers and ponds – some inhabited by crocodiles – for their daily needs.
During the current dry spell, even these sources have become dangerously scarce, forcing villagers to ration water and risk their safety daily.
James, who is also the Sugut assemblyman, said the water issue is especially urgent for the village’s health clinic, which recently resumed operations in a permanent building after months of operating temporarily from a community hall.
“The clinic is running now, but it needs basic utilities like piped water. That’s our next step,” he said.
Power supply comes from generators, with long-term plans involving Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, he told reporters at the launch of the Paitan district-level Kaamatan Festival over the weekend.
Paitan district officer Joe Joloning Majambu, who was also present, said efforts to address the water issue were raised at the district-level disaster management committee and had since escalated to relevant state agencies.
“We’ve coordinated with the Water Department and also engaged private contractors to deliver water to the clinic while waiting for the permanent pipeline,” he said.
Joe added that the proposed water supply extension to Tangkarason had been approved in principle under the 12th Malaysia Plan, with funding pending from the Federal Government.
“If approved, the water supply will benefit not only Tangkarason but also four to five neighbouring villages, including two schools,” he said.
Joe said electricity remains a challenge in the area, but the federal Rural and Regional Development Ministry had approved the rollout of solar hybrid systems in several nearby villages.
As for road access, he confirmed that the current route used by villagers was through an oil palm estate after the original access was taken over.
“The road to Tangkarason has been shortlisted for upgrading by the Public Works Department. We know clean water alone is not enough if we can’t reach these places,” he said.
Although plans are in motion, villagers hope that this time, the promises will be delivered and not remain another year of unfulfilled hope.
Winnie Mogak, a small trader in the village, said she has to buy about 20 cartons of bottled water every month just to meet her family’s daily needs.
“The ponds have dried up. The rivers turn salty during the dry season, so we can’t use them.
“The only way we get water now is from rainwater catchments or wells. That’s all we have,” she said.
Winnie urged the government to expedite the piped water project, saying clean water should not be a luxury for the people of Tangkarason.
“We’re tired of waiting. Clean water is not a privilege – it’s our right,” she said.
