BEAUFORT: Residents in Beaufort district are urging the Sabah government and the state Water Department (JANS) to take effective measures to solve the clean water supply problems which they claim have dragged on since the 80s and exacerbated by the recent floods.
The residents said that they have heard various plans and discussions with stakeholders but until today no concrete steps have been taken in resolving the issues.
Sabah Caring Community Association (PKMS) chairman Mohd Shafiq Mohd Bidin said during the recent floods, it was very tough for the residents when there was water supply disruption, making it difficult for families, especially those with small children, the elderly and persons with the disabilities (PwDs).
He said at that time, not only there was no water supply, mineral water and bottled drinks at every premise in the district also ran out as the residents had to buy the water for daily use.
“I believe the relevant parties have already made discussions pertaining to the water problems in Beaufort but what the people here want is for the outcome of those discussions to lead to an effective solution.
“However, until now, despite rumours that a plant has been built at a cost of millions of ringgit, there is no end to the water supply problems. It is very burdensome for the people, especially those who live far from the Beaufort town area,” he told Bernama.
On June 1, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin was reported to have said that the Sabah Ministry of Works (KKR) would present the long-term strategy and direction of the state water supply management to the state Cabinet this month.
Mohd Shafiq, who set up PKMS in November last year to help local residents voicing their concerns, expressed his confidence that if the water treatment plant has been built as rumoured and working well, the resident will no longer face water supply problems despite the floods from the overflowing Sungai Padas.
He also cited the water treatment plant (LRA) in Kampung Lawa, Gadong which treats water from Sungai Padas and can still supply clean water despite the floods.
As part of efforts to help the community, Mohd Shafiq, with the cooperation of generous Malaysians, have been supplying four clean water tankers thus far, with each tanker capable of carrying 25,000 litres of water, to be distributed to affected residents.
“There are areas in the village where there is no clean water supply for almost 20 days, there are also areas where the tap water is murky and not suitable for drinking,” he said, adding that the proposal for the privatisation of the LRA should also be given due attention.
Meanwhile, Roujip Tinggal, 24, said the residents have heard enough of various reasons and assurances given by various parties to solve the problems. What they really wanted to see was careful planning and implementation so that their problems would be solved once and for all.
“When the assurance to solve this problem was given, the people here started to have high hopes that it would be resolved but in the end, nothing has changed. So, please stop giving assurances. Give us a solution,” he said.
Saodah Fenddy, 28, said JANS should have an emergency mechanism to help people who face water supply disruption such as sending free water to residents and providing updates on repair actions, especially on social media.
“However, when the residents called the JANS careline, the response was very disappointing. Hopefully, there will be improvements after this,” she said. – Bernama