SANDAKAN: Residents in Bandar Ramai-Ramai, Sandakan, have been enduring persistent sewage system blockages, leading many to illegally connect their household waste pipes directly to drainage systems.
This has resulted in overflowing wastewater and unsanitary conditions, causing significant distress to the community.
Karamunting assemblyman Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin identified the root of the problem as the decades-old sewage pipes that have not been upgraded for years, coupled with blocked drains that prevent proper wastewater flow.
“This is not just about residents making illegal connections. It reflects a larger issue of ageing infrastructure and poor maintenance that has gone unresolved for too long,” Hiew stated after inspecting the area with officers from Jabatan Perkhidmatan Pembentungan Sabah (JPPS) here.
Hiew emphasized that he would collaborate with relevant authorities to assist residents in resolving these illegal connections and push for a comprehensive upgrade of the sewage system to meet the community’s needs.
“We cannot just blame the residents. The problem stems from the lack of proper maintenance and outdated systems that have reached their breaking point,” he said.
He also mentioned that the JPPS would work to connect the sewage system directly to septic tanks to prevent direct discharge into drains.
“We need a permanent solution, not just temporary fixes. This requires the support and cooperation of the entire community,” Hiew added.
The situation highlights the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and better maintenance to ensure the health and well-being of the residents in Bandar Ramai-Ramai. The community and local authorities must work together to address these chronic sewage issues effectively. – James Leong
