KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will corporatise the state Water Department to improve efficiency and tackle widespread water woes.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the move would allow better management of resources and reduce losses caused by illegal connections, which have pushed Sabah’s non-revenue water rate to 57% – one of the highest in the country.
“As a responsible government, we cannot ignore this issue. Repair and upgrading works will take time, but we are confident that supply will improve from next year,” he said at a gathering with the Chinese community, mission and Chinese independent schools, and non-Muslim religious bodies here on Monday (Sept 22) evening.
Of late, the Water Department has come under heavy criticism over water supply issues that have disrupted daily life in many districts.
Hajiji said 18 water supply projects are being carried out statewide, including the RM365mil Kogopon Water Treatment Plant in Papar, scheduled for completion next year, and the RM300mil Air Cinta Mata Dam in Tawau, expected to be ready in 2027.
Kota Kinabalu’s water supply, he added, had already seen improvement with the Telibong II plant, which is producing 160 million litres daily (MLD) for the city and nearby districts.
For the long term, the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric and Water Supply Project, with a capacity of 6,000 MLD, is expected to be completed by 2030.
