PAPAR – The Sabah government must make a firm and holistic decision to resolve the state’s water supply woes, including building a new dam to meet growing needs, said Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
Armizan, who is minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah & Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties), said that as Papar MP he would give full support if the state government decides to build a new dam in the district.
“We have allowed this issue to drag on for too long and it has become critical. It will become a crisis for Sabah if steps are not taken to resolve it,” he told reporters after the Papar parliamentary constituency and Kawang state constituency Aidilfitri celebration at SMK Pengalat, here, yesterday.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and Kawang assemblyman Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar.
Armizan said that if any issues arose regarding building the dam, then engagement sessions should be held with residents in the area involved.
He said it is important for the state government to assure the residents, especially regarding their safety, well-being, and socio-economic aspects, and to create cooperatives so that the residents can enjoy the economic spillover from the construction of the dam.
“We have no choice. A (new) dam needs to be built to solve this water problem. If we don’t deal with it now, I think this crisis will become bigger in the next three to four years,” he said.
Armizan is also worried that if Sabah’s water and electricity supply woes are not resolved soon, it might deter investors from investing in the state – affecting state revenue.
As such, he hoped that all parties would stop the polemic regarding the water issue faced by Sabah and jointly take responsibility for finding a comprehensive solution. – Bernama, May 21, 2023
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