Kundasang: Frequent pipe damage and insufficient user contributions are putting financial pressure on Kundasang’s community-run gravity water system, as workers repair a failed main valve in Kampung Liwagu.
Komuniti Air Graviti Kundasang (KAGK), which manages the system, said user contributions remained insufficient to cover overall operating costs despite support from residents.
The shortfall comes amid recurring pipe repairs, catchment maintenance and system monitoring three times a day to ensure a continuous water supply to homes.
“Water flowing into our homes requires effort, time, equipment and money to ensure the system continues functioning,” it said in a statement.
“Users’ contributions are more than monthly payments. They represent collective support to ensure the gravity water system can continue operating for the whole community.”In an Oct 8 notice, KAGK said its workers were carrying out maintenance and repairs in Kampung Liwagu, with possible delays or interruptions to supply while the work was underway.
A separate notice said the village’s main valve had failed completely and required urgent replacement.
The repair work required the supply from both the Masilou and Kumuwanan catchments to be shut off to reduce pressure in the main pipeline.
KAGK said the water supply had to be stopped for at least 12 hours before repairs could begin because of the extremely high pressure in the pipeline.
Users were also reminded not to interfere with or open the main valve during the repair work.
Supply would be restored in stages after the repairs, with additional time needed to stabilise pressure throughout the system.
KAGK appealed for residents’ patience and cooperation as its workers sought to complete the repairs and restore the water supply.
Meanwhile, its September contribution chart showed varying payment participation across the 11 areas listed.
Pekan Kundasang recorded the highest participation rate at 91.67 per cent, with 154 of its 168 users contributing. This was followed by Kampung Kundasang Lama at 88.89 per cent and Kampung Lembah Permai at 81.33 per cent.
Kampung Dingau recorded a participation rate of 31.58 per cent, with six of its 19 users contributing, while Kampung Koporingan recorded 35.19 per cent, with 19 of its 54 users contributing.
KAGK said the figures were published to promote transparency and encourage participation, rather than to embarrass any village or individual.
It thanked those who contributed in September, saying their payments helped fund pipe repairs, system monitoring, catchment cleaning, equipment purchases and daily operations.
The community also urged users who had yet to contribute to make their payments, saying consistent support would ease its financial burden and strengthen its ability to respond to breakdowns.
“Our water is our shared responsibility. Your contributions help us continue serving,” it said.
