KUALA LUMPUR – Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has pinned the blame on Pakatan Harapan (PH) for causing delays and increased costs in water infrastructure upgrading works in the state.
In a Facebook post today, the PAS man claimed that efforts to improve water infrastructure in the state had been underway since 2010, which included the establishment of Syarikat Air Darul Aman (Sada) as well as an audit of current and future needs.
He added that since 2013, the state government had identified and determined the necessary steps, such as overcoming non-revenue water (NRW) issues, replacing main pipes and the need for a new water treatment plant.
“After going through price negotiation processes and technical aspects, the state government had agreed to give grants and loans for five water treatment plants totalling RM931 million and the construction tender advertisement was released.
“Coincidentally, the 14th general election (GE14) happened and PH got power.
“Due to suspicion and lack of trust towards the previous government’s decisions, the tender advertisement was withdrawn (by PH) while a new consultant was appointed to study measures to overcome water issues and establish a reasonable cost.”
He alleged that approximately 20 months later, PH’s chosen consultant had arrived at a similar conclusion as the one determined by its predecessor.
“Just like the results before PH – five new water treatment plants with the same cost of RM931 million. Tender advertisements were released again – the same as the old ones.
“As a result, the project was delayed for 20 months and hundreds of thousands (of ringgit) had to be paid for the new consultant fees.”
Taking aim at the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led coalition, Sanusi also said that part of PH’s “contribution” towards Kedah’s water woes was leaving Sada to operate at a RM36 million loss in 2019 and a debt of RM174 million.
It was announced last month that the state government is making contingency plans to face possible water disruption during Aidilfitri celebrations this week.
However, Sanusi said the water supply issue is not critical, as the water levels in several dams in Kedah are still at sufficient levels, including those under the supervision of the Muda Agricultural Development Board.
Last month, PH Secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that PH would focus its efforts on wresting Kedah from Perikatan Nasional, which currently governs the state, during the upcoming election in six states. – The Vibes, April 19, 2023
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