KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Works Ministry will implement the third phase of the Kota Kinabalu water supply project to address supply issues in the state capital and surrounding Papar.
Its Assistant Minister Datuk Limus Jury said the project was to replace the proposed Papar dam.
However, when asked during a supplementary question by Jannie Lasimbang (DAP-Kapayan) on the status of the assessment of the water project, Limus said the re-evaluation was done by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Institute Development Sabah (IDS).
The controversial Papar dam project, which was known as Kaiduan dam during the Barisan Nasional era, received backlash from the public especially the local community who are worried of the environmental impact and their native customary rights.
Meanwhile, in answering Datuk Salleh Said Keruak's (BN-Usukan) question on the Ministry's initiative to resolve water woes in the interiors, Limus added that the state was working with the federal government on the matter.
Limus said through the Rural Water Supply project (BALB) and Sabah Water department, it would ensure all rural areas get water supply by 2035.
To date, RM2.53 billion has been approved by the Federal government in the 11th Malaysia Plan with some ongoing projects while the rest are still being studied.
"Meanwhile, in the 12th Malaysia Plan next year, the Federal government has approved RM450 million for BALB in five new areas.
"Those areas are Kemabong, Tenom (RM50 mil); Kiulu and around Tuaran (RM180 mil); Ranau (RM160 mil); Sook (RM50 mil) and Kampung Ulu Bakut, Tuaran (RM10 mil)," he said adding the projects will be implemented starting next year until 2025.
Limus added that he also hoped that the state government would add more allocations to implement early stages work such as designing, land procurement, investigation and surveying.