LABUAN: The Environment and Water Ministry has approved an additional RM3.32 million as a short-term solution to address the frequent water leakages plaguing the island.
Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (pic) said it took a serious view of Labuan water problems and is committed to resolve it.
The emergency fund will be used to repair mechanical, electrical components, pipe leakages and other related works,” he said.
Ibrahim said this in reply to Labuan member of parliament Rozman Isli when he requested for funds for a short-term solution to water supply problem.
Earlier Rozman had pointed out that since the beginning of the year more than 35 notices of water disruptions at various locations had been issued by the Labuan Water supply Department. He said the incidents affected thousands of consumers and some were affected for two weeks at a stretch.
This was due to absolute and worn out pipes of more 40 years still in use.
During the disruptions the department had promptly made available water supply tank lorries to ease the burden of consumers.
About 90 percent of Labuan’s water supply is via 25.7 km submarine pipeline from the Padas river.
On a long term plan, the Ministry had already allocated RM202.65 million under the rolling plan of 12th Malaysia plan to replace a network of 50km old pipes in various areas.
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