SANDAKAN: Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Works and Utilities, Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, addressed two critical infrastructure issues in the state on Monday, focusing on Sandakan’s pressing water supply deficit and progress delays on the Pan Borneo Highway in Kinabatangan.
Sandakan is currently grappling with a daily water shortfall, with supply at 169 million litres against a demand of 180 million litres. Joachim cited aging pipes in several areas as a compounding factor in the shortage.
He revealed this during a press conference after visiting the Sandakan Water Department and Borehole Hilltop 10, accompanied by Assistant Minister Datuk Limus Jury, Sungai Manila Assemblyman Hazem Mubarak Musa, Sabah Water Department Director Chee Chun Chieh, and Sandakan Municipal Council President Walter Kenson.
While Sandakan has over 30 boreholes, only eight are operational due to insufficient water resources. An assessment is underway to determine the suitability of Borehole Hilltop 10 for public supply.
“The immediate plan is to identify whether old boreholes can be cleaned or rehabilitated,” Joachim stated.
For a long-term solution, the ministry plans to increase capacity from the Segaliud and Kinabatangan Water Treatment Plants. This, however, requires time for the construction of a comprehensive pipeline network. The minister expressed hope that the water crisis could be resolved within two years and urged the Water Department to expedite all necessary measures.
In a separate working visit to Kinabatangan, Joachim turned his attention to the Pan Borneo Highway, urging the Public Works Department (PWD) to strengthen monitoring of contractors to ensure projects proceed on schedule.
He called for more frequent site inspections to pinpoint causes of delays, whether due to contractor performance or unresolved utility relocations involving water pipes and electricity lines.
“If delays were caused by utilities, I am prepared to direct the ministry to work more closely with all stakeholders… to resolve the issues promptly,” he said, emphasising the need for a unified government approach.
He also advised community leaders and elected representatives to help explain issues related to land and premises acquisition to residents.
Providing an update, Joachim noted that Work Package 26 of the highway appears significantly delayed, with existing road conditions deteriorating. Contributing factors include the termination of a previous maintenance concession, delays by a new contractor, utility issues, and unresolved land matters. Work Packages 24 and 25 were reported to have minor but acceptable delays, though they require close monitoring to prevent further setbacks. – James Leong
Joachim (3rd left), and other officials at Borehole Hilltop 10 on Monday.
