KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is using its state funds to tackle water-related challenges as the RM320 million grant is still awaiting disbursement, says State Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
He announced the decision following approval in the state cabinet meeting on July 26.
On June 1, Shahelmey stated that the state government had presented 20 short-term projects with an estimated cost of RM300.25 million to address issues and difficulties in managing treated water supply. This presentation was presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrhaim in Putrajaya.
"The allocation disbursement from the Federal Government is pending. However, the Sabah State Government has agreed to ensure that the Water Department can initiate the planned programmes.
"After obtaining the decision from the Sabah State Cabinet, the Water Department is ready to implement the eight approved initiatives in collaboration with the technical committee at the Federal level.
"I would like to emphasise that even though the delay in allocation has temporarily become an issue, the Sabah State Water Department has already initiated or formed a special committee for water recovery and pressure stabilisation programmes, particularly in the Kota Kinabalu areas, including Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu and Putatan.
"Based on the recovery work conducted from June until now, we have observed an improvement in water pressure stability in the Kota Kinabalu areas.
"This has resulted in a more controlled distribution of water supply compared to previous months," he shared during the question-and-answer session of the state assembly sitting.
Shahelmey, who also serves as the Works Minister, addressed questions from appointed assemblyman Datuk Yong Teck Lee regarding the status of the special allocation of RM320 million from the Prime Minister to address water issues and expedite implementation.
In response to a supplementary question from Datuk Darell Leiking, Shahelmey clarified that during the initial meeting on June 1, the prime minister had hinted at RM320 million as a soft loan with minimal costs.
He also mentioned that the presentation on June 1 with the Prime Minister had outlined the state's long-term solutions, including replacing old pipes and constructing plants and dams, which could incur costs exceeding RM10 billion.
Shahelmey also assured Datuk Wong Hong Jun (Warisan-Tanjung Aru) that the government had ceased the operation of private water tankers that were charging the public excessive fees.
"In cases where government buildings or premises face water shortages, the Water Department will dispatch water trucks. We acknowledge that the number of water trucks at the Water Department is insufficient.
"Therefore, the Water Department will collaborate with private companies to deliver water to those requesting water supply. However, the cost will be covered by the Water Department and not incurred at a high expense."