KOTA KINABALU: Rampant vandalism and illegal tapping of water connections are among the causes of frequent water interruptions in the city, said Sabah Public Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
He added that despite the completion of piping work from the Telibong Phase 2 water plant by the end of this month, the department would still face significant challenges.
"Apart from illegal connections, there are also cases of vandalism. Even though we have secured them, people still attempt to disrupt it.
"We continue to face challenges of water theft, especially in the Sepanggar area. This requires cooperation not only from the Water Department but also with various other agencies.
"With the launch of the MyJANS mobile application, concerned citizens can also play a role in informing the department about such issues," he said during the app's launch at a hotel.
Meanwhile, he said that the increased demand for water supply is inevitable due to more investment and industrial activities.
Shahelmey added that for now, the demand is 1,600 million litres per day (MLD), while the available supply is 1,400 MLD.
"The Water Department has long-term planning for water supply. However, the current issues are due to delays in several projects or plans.
"With the launch of Ulu Padas hydropower at the end of last year, which can become an option for raw water supply, it will ensure adequate supply for Sabah.
"The same goes for the (proposed) Papar dam. From a technical perspective, we have received reports (of the feasibility study), and we are awaiting financial considerations.
"Hopefully, this year we can make decisions on the direction of water supply in Sabah (from the Papar dam)," he said.
The deputy chief minister also updated that the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant Phase II project in Papar is on schedule and will be completed by 2026. Water tanks have been sent to residents on Sebatik Island, and there is ongoing coordination with a technical team from Universiti Malaysia Sabah to address water pressure management.
Present at the launch were his Assistant Public Works Ministers Datuk Limus Jury and Datuk Robert Tawik, as well as State Water Director Suhaimi Asbullah.
