Sabah Gov't Wants Sandakan Water Supply Issue Resolved Within Two Years

SANDAKAN, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- The Sabah state government views the water supply problem in Sandakan seriously and wants the issue to be addressed immediately or within less than two years, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

He said Sandakan is currently facing higher water demand of about 180 million litres per day compared with supply capacity of 169 million litres per day.

He added that the situation is further complicated by areas with ageing pipeline systems, causing water loss in distribution and becoming one of the causes of shortages or lack of supply in the district.

“The state government is serious in efforts to overcome the water supply problem in Sandakan. Most recently, we are working on the construction of two boreholes for new underground water supply to meet the needs of residents in this district,” he told reporters after inspecting water supply facilities in the district today.

Dr Joachim , who is also Sabah Works and Utilities Minister, said once completed the two boreholes are each expected to channel 4 million litres of water per day and will add to the eight existing boreholes in the district.

Meanwhile, Dr Joachim urged the Sabah State Water Department to provide alternative water supply to critical areas, including setting up static water tanks to make it easier for residents to obtain free water sources.

-- BERNAMA