SANDAKAN: Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee has urged the State Water Department (JANS) to focus on stabilizing water supply by developing a long-term strategy, including launching a five-year development plan to prevent future water supply crises.
She emphasized that this is necessary considering the various issues that have arisen in recent years.
Vivian made these remarks after engaging with the newly-appointed Director of JANS Chee Chun Chieh to welcome his appointment and, at the same time, convey the water supply problems faced by Sandakan residents.
Vivian hopes that JANS will learn from past mistakes and avoid repeating them.
She stressed that although Sandakan is set to receive five water storage tanks, this will only partially address the issue.
The core problem, she explained, is water source security. JANS needs to plan effectively and conduct various studies and research to ensure a safe water supply for the next 50 years.
Additionally, Vivian emphasized that JANS must pay attention to the water pipeline system.
The current approach of JANS, which involves repairing problematic areas, does not solve the underlying issue and instead traps Sandakan residents in a cycle of repeated water supply disruptions.
Sandakan residents have long suffered from unstable water supply, with frequent pipe bursts leading to water disruptions for repairs, creating what seems like an endless cycle.
“How much longer must the residents of Sandakan endure this nightmare?” she asked.
Therefore, Vivian urged JANS to include a comprehensive pipeline replacement in their plans, conduct specific scientific studies, and develop strategies with minimal impact.
She also suggested relocating pipelines in unsuitable areas to prevent damage caused by environmental changes.
For example, in the hilly area behind Batu 2½, the main pipeline has burst several times in recent years, and recently, another burst occurred behind the Petronas gas station at Batu 2½, Sandakan.
Since the pipeline is installed in a hilly area, soil movement has caused the pipeline to shift. With the density of squatter houses nearby, the pipeline route may no longer be suitable and needs to be replanned.
Vivian also requested that JANS provide a detailed report on the pipe bursts in the area, including the number of times pipes have burst, the affected areas due to repairs, the time taken for repairs, and the hotspot areas for pipe bursts.
Meanwhile, Vivian expressed concern over the appointment of the fourth JANS Director in five years.
She worries that frequent changes in leadership may affect JANS’ efficiency, as new directors need time to familiarize themselves with the issues faced by JANS.
However, Vivian hopes the new JANS Director will demonstrate excellent leadership, guiding JANS with a focus on long-term development, addressing Sabah’s water supply issues, and not just planning for the present but also preparing early strategies for Sabah’s future water supply.
Furthermore, Vivian called for enhanced cooperation between the state and federal governments.
She has raised questions about water supply issues in Parliament multiple times but has been told that Sabah’s water supply is entirely under the jurisdiction of the Sabah State Government.
Vivian emphasized that only by strengthening cooperation between the Federal and State Governments can the issue be effectively resolved.
The Federal Government has professional teams that can assist JANS in planning long-term development to avoid ongoing water supply crises.
