SIBU: The Sarawak government has been urged to quickly resolve the ongoing water shortage problem affecting residents and shipyard industries in the Rantau Panjang industrial area here.
Faced with dry taps, residents often resort to bathing and washing clothes by the nearby river, but recent crocodile sightings have unnerved them.
"This water supply problem has been here for three years already," Sibu Shipyard Association president Ling Tiu Khing told reporters on Friday (Oct 10).
"Last time during our meeting with the Water Board, they promised to build a dedicated water tower to improve the system but until now, there is no news about it.
"I hope the government will keep this promise and do it fast to solve the problem," he said during a picket by residents of six PPR flats in the area.
Ling said there was no water at all during the day and only a weak trickle for about an hour at night, which was insufficient to meet the basic needs of residents and factories.
This had disrupted the residents' daily lives, hindered industrial operations, led to production delays and damaged equipment, and also posed a public health risk.
He said that after repeated complaints, the Sibu Water Board (now known as Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd) provided regular delivery but claimed "shortage of manpower" was hampering its trips there.
"With no water supply available, residents and workers are forced to bathe and wash by the river.
"However, recent reports of crocodile sightings in the river have caused great fear and anxiety here," Ling added.
KRT PPR Seduan Rantau Panjang Flats chairman Michael Abok said more than 2,000 residents from the six flats have been struggling with the inconsistent water supply despite repeated appeals to the authorities and elected representatives.
"We have asked for help from the (representatives) and city council, but there is still not enough water. Even three lorry deliveries a day are insufficient," he said.
He explained that residents turn on the block's water pump at around 6.30pm, after most people are back from work, but the supply only lasts for less than an hour.
"Those who are not home by that time get no water at all.
"We have two large tanks, but even when full, they can only last about 12 hours," he said.
Michael added that some residents are forced to buy water from private suppliers for RM300 to RM400 per tanker, while others receive limited supply from the Sibu Water Board.
He said the issue has persisted for years, apparently because of low water pressure from the main reservoir, and has disrupted household activities and small businesses.
"We are not asking for much – just a stable and sufficient water supply.
"We hope both the Sarawak and Federal governments will step in and find a permanent solution," he said.
