Ponds plan to overcome water woes  

Kota Kinabalu: The construction of water retention ponds is being proposed to overcome water shortages in Sabah in the long term, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (pic).

The Deputy Chief Minister, who is also State Public Works Minister, however, noted that the challenge is the cost as one pond would cost around RM500 million and would require 1,000 hectares for each district.

Such structures could be built for sharing among neighbouring areas, for example one at the State Capital would also benefit surrounding districts, he said on Sunday.

“We expect water supply could last longer if there are such water reservoirs.

“The water stored in the retention pond during the rainy season could sustain for two months during the dry season,” he said after visiting the University Apartment (UA) housing area here to look into water supply interruption, Sunday.

When asked if there was any location available in Kota Kinabalu for such a huge project, he said it would likely be under the previously proposed Papar Dam.

Also present was Sabah Water Department Director Edward Lingkapo.

On the visit, Bung noted that the delay of the Telibong water treatment plant phase 2 project was one of the reasons why the housing area was facing water disruption. 

He said the issue would be looked into.