Kota Kinabalu: Warisan is confident it can resolve Sabah’s water supply problems within a year, with party President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pic) doubling down on his pledge despite criticism from certain leaders.
“When I said we can overcome water problems within a year, I was referring specifically to critical facilities like Universiti Malaysia Sabah, hospitals and other essential amenities,” he said.
“I never said we would solve water issues across all of Sabah in one year. That would not be accurate.
“The situation is very concerning. Tourists visiting our hotels have complained about having to use bottled mineral water.
“This is not acceptable for Sabah’s image as a tourism destination.
“I am confident that with proper management and the right approach, the immediate water supply challenges can be overcome,” he said.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali had recently dismissed Warisan’s claims that water issues could be fixed within a year as impossible, calling it as a long-standing legacy problem.
Shafie said the solution lies in upgrading existing water treatment plants rather than building new infrastructure from scratch, pointing out facilities in Tawau, Sandakan, Telibong and Tuaran that already have treatment capacity but need volume increases.
“The water treatment facilities are already there. We just need to increase their capacity.
“The main problems are with distribution, leaking pipes, non-revenue water. These can be addressed in a short timeframe,” he said.
Shafie pointed out management issues that have contributed to the current water supply issue, citing audit findings showing that important equipment such as water pumps, CCTV systems and chemical alarm systems were not properly maintained, directly affecting water supply reliability.
“Recent water shortages in Sandakan lasted more than six days. Why? Because of diesel supply issues, because companies were not paid and took the matter to court.
“These are problems that can be managed,” he said.
Shafie said during Warisan’s time in government, there were no water shortages at hospitals or hotels like those currently being experienced.
He called for transparency and accountability, suggesting that a white paper be produced or that the Auditor General conduct a thorough investigation into water management over the past five years.
He also said that with the State Assembly dissolved, the current administration is merely a caretaker government and should not be signing any new contracts.
“There should not be any additional contracts given to any companies at this time.
“This is no longer a full government, but just an interim, caretaker government,” he said.