KOTA BARU: The state government has approved a land route for a RM20 million water pump project, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said the approval was granted on Sept 19, allowing the project to be expedited.
"The implementation of the project took time due to several problems involving the approval process from the state government to build a dirt road to enable the use of the new pump," saod Anwar.
"The existing water pump cannot reach the water surface due to the dry season and low river levels, which affects water distribution to rice fields.
"The federal government discussed the matter with the state government, and it agreed to the land route along Sungai Kelantan.
"I hope it can be expedited since it is important for rice farmers and vegetable growers in the state. Some have asked why the project has yet to be implemented, even though the funds have been allocated some time ago.
He was speaking at a meet-and-greet session with traders in the state today..
In May, Anwar announced a RM20 million allocation to address the state's water supply issue caused by hot weather.
He stated that the allocation was intended to address the issues faced by the people and farmers in the state.