KOTA KINABALU: Fundamental problems in Sabah’s water supply must be addressed as disruptions especially in the heart of the city’s central business district here cannot be a “norm”, says Likas assemblyman Tham Yun Fook.
“People understand the need for emergency repair works, but the government must address the fundamental issues of ageing water infrastructure, management coordination and emergency response mechanisms, instead of allowing large-scale water disruptions to occur repeatedly,” he said.
Tham, who is from Parti Warisan, was commenting on the latest supply disruption that hit major hotels as well as businesses in the city centre here over the last five days.
“It is regrettable that similar water disruptions continue to recur, affecting not only people’s daily lives but also business activities and the tourism industry,” he said Friday (Aug 14).
He said that as tourism continues to recover and visitor numbers increase, the state government must accelerate improvements to water supply infrastructure and strengthen emergency response mechanisms to ensure a stable and reliable water supply in Kota Kinabalu.
“I will continue to follow up on this matter and assist in conveying the concerns of the people to the relevant authorities to ensure that the problems faced by affected businesses and residents are properly addressed,” he said.
Tham said that based on a statement by the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sabah and Labuan Chapter, as well as feedback gathered from business operators, businesses and hotels in Segama, Kampung Air, Wisma Merdeka and the Suria Sabah area in town were badly affected by the latest water disruptions that began with repairs to a leaking pipe on Aug 8.
Tham said that he spoke to Deputy Chief Minister I cum Minister of Works and Utilities Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalamto urge him to get the relevant authorities to take prompt action.
“I had suggested that the Minister personally visit the affected areas together with the Director of the Water Department and relevant officials to assess the situation, engage with affected operators and look into practical short- and long-term solutions,” he said.
He said Dr Gunsalam said that apart from repair works on leaking water pipes, a power outage at the Moyog Water Treatment Plant had further worsened the water shortage.
Tham said that the Minister assured that the Water Department has been actively carrying out restoration works and began gradually restoring and supplying water since the afternoon of Aug 12.
He thanked Dr Gunsalam and Water Department officials for acting immediately on the latest water disruption.
