KOTA MARUDU: There is a need for the Kota Marudu Water Department to be honest about what is causing water supply disruptions in the district.
Kota Marudu Angkatan Muda Keadilan (PKR Youth) Chief Zaidi Jatil (pic) said the district had been experiencing water disruptions almost every week in the last month, adding that such water woes are not a new problem.
“It has been going on for many years yet there has not been a solution to it. Water supply disruptions are getting worse.
“The Kota Marudu Water Department must be honest. If there is a problem caused by outdated equipment, then it should be replaced. Budget allocations should be applied to the Government.
“If it is not fixed, then water disruptions will often recur and it will never be resolved,” he said in a statement, Friday.
Zaidi explained that water supply would sometimes be disrupted for up to two weeks, adding the latest incident saw the supply being disrupted for six days.
“From what I know, the Kota Marudu district has only one mobile water tanker truck which is not likely to accommodate the needs of tens of thousands of residents in the district. I was informed that even restaurant operators have to buy tube well water which cost RM150 per tank.
“The State Government, especially the Works Ministry, needs to take this problem seriously, as this involves the basic needs of the people,” he said.
He suggested that the Water Department be privatised if the Government is no longer able to manage it effectively.
“If planning is not done carefully in addressing water issues in this district, the effect in the long run will be worse and consumers will continue to face this crisis,” he stressed.
