PRESS RELEASE: SANDAKAN - A meeting with the new District Engineer (DE) of the Water Department, Ms. Neyli, was recently held involving six Members of the State Assembly (ADUN) from the Warisan Party in Sandakan to discuss the increasingly critical water supply issues in their respective areas.
The meeting was attended by representatives of YB Calvin Chong (N55 Elopura), YB Lisa Alban (N52 Sungai Sibuga), representative of YB Alias Hj. Sani (N53 Sekong), YB Arunanarsin Taib (N50 Gum-Gum), YB Alex Wong (N54 Karamunting), and YB Alex Thien (N56 Tanjong Papat). The discussion focused on various critical issues that directly affect the well-being of the people, particularly regarding prolonged water supply disruptions.
The water supply problem in Sandakan is not a new issue; it has persisted for years without a comprehensive solution. This situation continues to burden the daily lives of the people who have to face repeated disruptions. The question is, how long must the people of Sandakan continue to be patient and endure these difficulties without truly effective solutions?
Although every year various allocations worth billions of ringgit are announced to address water supply issues, the problems faced by the people have yet to be resolved comprehensively. This raises questions about the effectiveness of project implementation and the actual direction in which these allocations are channeled. The people want not only promises and announcements but also tangible and effective solutions.
Among the main issues raised was the problem in the Bandar Prima area, where repair work involving three major leaks will commence on April 13 in conjunction with the closure of the Segaliud Plant. Preliminary excavation work is expected to start earlier to ensure the repair process runs smoothly.
Regarding the water supply closure, the Water Department informed that all storage tanks will be ensured to be at maximum capacity on April 12 as a preparatory measure.
In the event of a supply shortage, water distribution via tankers will be implemented, prioritizing critical areas such as hospitals and requests from users through official channels of the Water Department.
The meeting also discussed the issue of aging pipes in Taman Nasalim, which are currently in the process of being replaced, including efforts to identify suitable locations for pipe storage.
In addition, prolonged water supply disruptions in several areas in Elopura such as Taman Sentosa, Sri Taman, Taman Mesra, Taman Hing Lee, Sedco area, and Kam Jai Yen have been identified as stemming from serious water theft and over 100 cases of pipe leaks that remain unresolved.
In addressing the squatter issue, the Water Department informed that water meter installations will be provided to registered residents, and any connection requests must be made through the meter owner with payment of the charges set by the meter owner.
The Water Department also announced that warnings will be issued to contractors to complete repair work within two months, alongside enhancing monitoring to ensure more efficient implementation of work. Among the main challenges identified is the condition of the pipes, which are so dilapidated that multiple leaks can occur at the same location.
In this regard, a request has been submitted for an equipment audit to ensure that all work carried out meets the established standards and fulfills the expectations of the people.
All involved ADUNs acknowledged the issues raised and expressed their commitment to bring these matters to the State Assembly level so that more comprehensive and effective actions can be implemented.
Close cooperation between elected representatives and the Water Department is hoped to have a positive impact in efforts to resolve the water supply problems in Sandakan sustainably and continuously. Appreciation is also given to Ms. Neyli for her willingness to cooperate and take a proactive approach in addressing related issues for the benefit of the people.
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