TAMPARULI – Water supply disruptions in Sepanggar will only be resolved by 2023 when the second phase of Telibong treatment plant project is completed, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
He said that the plant, once completed, will double its water distribution capacity from the current 80 million litres per day (MLD) to 160 MLD.
“The project has been delayed but we hope it can be completed by early 2023. I will be asking for monthly updates from the contractor to ensure we meet our target,” he said during a visit to the project site yesterday.
Several areas in Sepanggar, including Universiti Apartment, Bandar Sierra, Taman Rimba Manggatal and surrounding areas have been facing frequent water supply disruptions.
Bung, who is state works minister, said this is due to the increase in demand from Kota Kinabalu, construction projects including the Pan Borneo Highway project, water theft, and polluted rivers in Tuaran.
To resolve these problems, Bung said his ministry will start projects to build water pond reservoirs.
“Like this second phase of Telibong water treatment plant project, it will have two pond reservoirs that could resolve the water supply problem when river water is found to be polluted, or during drought seasons.
“The water pond reservoirs construction projects will include Beaufort, Pitas and Sipitang.
“We will put it into a detailed plan and apply for allocation from the government. It is a long-term solution for the water supply disruption in Sabah,” he said. – The Vibes, June 6, 2021
