KOTA KINABALU: Villagers in interior Kimanis have been depending on rain, a well, rivers and water tanks for their daily supply.
This is because treated water supply has been inconsistent for years, resulting in periods where over 500 families have to go without water for weeks.
With the dry spell hitting more often and longer than previously, villagers of Kampung Penampang Baru Kimanis Papar have decided to take it upon themselves to address the situation.
“We felt that it would be better for us to find our own water source from the forest or up the hill. We can’t continue living like this anymore,” said villager Filus Gilbert, who had mobilised a team for the purpose.
On April 27, he gathered 27 villagers to enter the jungle while others stayed back to prepare food and water.
They trekked through hilly land for about two hours and stumbled upon a small spring, but it was not suitable.
The group continued walking for another 30 minutes before finally finding a reservoir.
“After checking, we found that the reservoir sits on land that is being operated by a crocodile farm,” said Filus.
He said the village community leader will send a letter to the company, appealing to them to share the water source.
Filus said they will also reach out to Bongawan assemblyman Dr Daud Yusof or Kimanis MP Datuk Mohamad Alamin for help in getting funds and materials to connect the reservoir to the village.
“If the company allows us to share the water, then we will have to install poly pipes to connect to our houses,” he said.
