Bung Moktar (left) being briefed about the water supply upgrading project in Sandakan.
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said additional water tanks will be constructed in Sandakan so that water supply to consumers can be increased.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the water tank at Jalan Kebun Cina on Saturday, the Works Minister said the current production of 20 mld is not sufficient to meet demand of consumers.
“In view of this, the state Water Department suggested that water tanks be constructed in Gum Gum, Taman Tshun Ngan and Mile 12 to supply consumers in Sandakan with water.
“The RM100 million allocation via soft loan from the federal government has been approved and we are now waiting for the evaluation report from them. I am confident that the construction will be done this year,” said Bung Moktar.
He added that there will be a phase two of the water supply project to construct four more tanks.
“We will be applying for the allocation for the additional four tanks,” he said, adding that one of the areas identified for the tanks is Mile 7.
Bung Moktar also inspected the Sandakan Integrated Bus Terminal and expressed his disappointment that the facility, despite being completed is still not in use.
The Works Minister disclosed that the bus terminal was completed in 2017 and despite the change in governments, is not operational.
“One of the reasons is that there was some issue of soil sediment in the area and I have discussed the matter with the Sandakan Municipal Council president,” he said, adding that he wants to see the report on the problem.
Bung Moktar said he expects to receive the report by mid July this year so that remedial measures can be implemented for the facility.
“This is important because the project costs millions but cannot be used… it is a wastage of development in Sandakan,” said the Kinabatangan member of parliament.