KOTA KINABALU: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is committed to ensuring that key water projects are completed within their stipulated timeframes to benefit the local population, said its chairman Datuk Wira Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.
The committee recently concluded Proceeding No. 7(C) of 2024, focusing on the National Water Management under the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (Petra).
The PAC also conducted a site visit from Sept 29 to Oct 1 in Sandakan and Tawau to assess issues raised in the National Audit Report.
Among the projects reviewed was the RM133 million upgrade of the water supply system in Sandakan, which includes the construction of water pipes and five storage tanks under the National Water Management (PAN).
All five tanks have been completed and are currently awaiting testing and handover from the contractor.
Meanwhile, the RM37 million Rural Water Supply Project under the Regional and Rural Development Ministry (KKDW), which serves Kampung Jaya Bakti, Kampung Memanjang, and nearby areas in Sandakan, experienced significant delays.
Originally scheduled for completion on Sept 9, 2017, the project was delayed by 356 days and finally completed on Nov 13, 2018.
"The delay stemmed from damage to key components such as the pump system, electro-chlorination (EC) system, and sludge processing equipment at the Jaya Bakti Water Treatment Plant (WTP)," said Ermieyati in a statement.
She said there were ongoing challenges with the Rural Water Supply Project, which includes two Booster Pump Stations in Kampung Semawang and Kampung Lalasun.
Frequent leaks in the pipeline from the Segaliud WTP to Kampung Lalasun, caused by its proximity to a flooded drainage area, are a recurring issue, she said.
Additionally, the Bukit Garam WTP in Kinabatangan, which supplies water to Kampung Semawang, did not get a stable electricity supply and relied on a generator that frequently broke down.
"The PAC has taken note of the efforts and improvements by Petra, KKDW, and relevant state agencies to ensure these projects are completed as scheduled, which will benefit the local communities promptly," she said.
Ermieyati said the PAC would finalise its report and provide recommendations on the National Water Management and Rural Water Supply issues in Sarawak and Sabah, based on witness testimonies and site visits.
Among those who attended PAC proceedings included Petra's secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli, KKDW deputy secretary-general (Development) Mohd Kamal Hussin and Sabah Water director Suhaimi Asbullah.