KOTA KINABALU: The recent water disruptions in the city have severely affected residents' daily lives and caused significant losses to businesses, particularly in the tourism sector.
Parti Warisan Kota Kinabalu secretary Loi Kok Liang revealed that a homestay operator had informed him of refunds totalling up to RM30,000 to guests within just a few weeks due to the ongoing water issues.
"Many hotels have been forced to rely on water trucks for supply and even had to shut off air conditioning to conserve resources, creating an embarrassing situation.
"One of Kota Kinabalu's iconic malls failed to maintain air conditioning during the crisis, leaving shoppers to endure the heat during festive shopping.
"Many washrooms inside the mall were also closed due to the water supply disruption," he said in a statement, adding that residents and business owners should not bear the cost of the government's incompetence.
Sabah Public Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya stated that the State Water Department is continuously working to address the water supply issues in the state.
"For instance, around Kota Kinabalu, heavy rain recently caused floods in several areas, such as Telibong and Kasigui, which submerged the water intake areas.
"The recovery process will take time. Other challenges include damage to pumps, burst old pipes due to construction work, and unstable water pressure," the Putatan Member of Parliament said when met by reporters during a walkabout in conjunction with the Chinese New Year 2025 celebrations in Putatan and Tanjung Aru yesterday.
He added that Phase 2 of the Telibong 2 Water Treatment Plant was completed at the end of 2023, but its pipeline is still under construction and is expected to be completed by July 2025.
Meanwhile, the Kogopon 2 Water Treatment Plant in Papar is slated for completion in 2026.
Shahelmey also mentioned that the government is finalising the financial matters related to the construction of the Ulu Padas Hydropower Dam, which will also serve as a raw water source for the Kimanis, Papar, and Putatan areas.