Federal aid to deal with water loss, boost plant efficiency: Sabah DCM

KOTA KINABALU – Sabahans smarting from inadequate water supply have been assured that the RM320.25-million federal aid to resolve the state’s water woes will be used primarily to address the problem of non-revenue water (NRW) and improve efficiency of treatment plants. 

NRW refers to processed water that is lost even before it can reach consumers.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said the immediate actions include curbing water theft, fixing pipe leaks, and enhancing plant efficiency. The efforts are expected to significantly improve water supply within six to 12 months, he said.

“In the short-term, the 20 programmes will be implemented promptly,” he told reporters today after attending a religious function in Tg Aru here.

“Our primary focus during this period will be on reducing non-revenue water and improving the efficiency of the water treatment plants.” 

The 20 projects will cover nine districts, namely Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Putatan, Papar, Beaufort, Keningau, Tawau, Lahad Datu, and Sandakan.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had reportedly highlighted the Ulu Tomani and Papar dam projects as vital for ensuring a stable water supply in the long run. 

Shahelmey said Anwar had ordered the formation of a state-federal task force to implement and raise funds for the two projects. 

For the Papar Dam, he noted that the completion of its feasibility study report had run into a slight delay after officers were blocked by villagers from entering the structure’s proposed location. 

However, he said they were eventually able to access the site and therefore able to collect the data required for the report. 

He said the report, which was supposed to be completed this month, has now been delayed until the end of the year. 

“The Sabah government can only decide on the Papar Dam once the report is presented,” he said.

Shahelmey stressed the urgency of constructing these dams within five years to secure a stable water supply for Sabah. – The Vibes, June 2, 2023