Get It Done Sabah Glc Told Over Papar Water Intake Project

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Papar MP Armizan Mohd Ali said his constituents expect him to resolve their long-standing water issues.
PETALING JAYA: Papar MP Armizan Mohd Ali has warned a Sabah government-linked company (GLC) to expedite the construction of a second water intake at Kampung Kabang in his constituency, saying he will not tolerate further delays.
He said although Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor had approved funding for the project last year, work had yet to begin, Daily Express reported.
“Unfortunately, until today, the project has not started. After I made noise, the state finance ministry resolved the issue by appointing a state GLC to carry out the project.
“However, I received feedback that work has not yet begun. Hence, I am urging the concerned state GLC – since you are the one who wanted this project, get it done before I lose my temper. This is a crucial project for the people of Papar,” he was quoted as saying.
He said a second intake was vital to address the excessive water turbidity at the emergency water supply scheme water treatment plant in Limbahau, which was previously shut down due to poor water quality.
According to Armizan, rising chloride levels and increased turbidity from upstream rainfall continued to disrupt the water intake.
“If the second water intake (site) project is completed and operational, then it can switch to the second intake. That’s why completing this project is so important,” he said.
Armizan’s warning comes amid water issues in Papar, with the state water department cautioning that disruptions could persist from early Ramadan until April.
On March 20 last year, Hajiji reportedly instructed the water department and the state GLC to build a second intake further upstream at Kampung Kabang along Sungai Papar to prevent saltwater intrusion.
Hajiji was reported as saying that a second intake was key to addressing the high salinity levels at the current site.
Last year, severe water shortages hit Papar, particularly during Ramadan, affecting a large portion of the population.
Armizan said Papar needs up to 92 million litres per day (MLD), but receives only 62 MLD, with leaking pipes and inefficiencies further straining supply.
“I am very firm when it comes to water issues here because I received a mandate from the people of Papar in 2022. They placed their hopes in me to resolve these long-standing water issues,” the domestic trade and cost of living minister said.
Daily Express later quoted state public works minister Shahelmy Yahya as saying construction of the second water intake was ongoing, but that a date for completion was unavailable. - FMT

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