Low water tariff causing wastage.

PENAMPANG: Because it is cheap, water is wasted by the people, said Sabah Water Department deputy director Teo Chee Kong.

He said the lack of concern for water wastage stemmed from the low water tariff in Sabah, where the first 1,000 litres of water is 30 sen while the next cubic metre is 60 sen.

"Consumers can reduce wastage by storing water and using it only when it is necessary," he said at a World Water Day programme here recently.

Simple actions, Teo said, like leaving the tap running while brushing their teeth, bathing, washing cars and watering plants, caused wastage.

Teo said non revenue water in Sabah stood at 52 per cent, and in most cases, negligence by consumers was to blame.

Many private property owners and government building administrators for instance, failed to upkeep piping and tank systems, he said.

"The department will issue reminders if we detect pipe leakages or water overflowing from tanks."

He said the department did not have an enforcement unit to act against such negligence.

Public Works Department deputy director (sewerage) Edward Lingkapo said domestic and industrial waste items flushed into the sewage system burdened the system.

He said the onus was on the public to ensure that leakages were kept in check and that septic tanks were well maintained as they could cause outbreaks of water-borne diseases such as cholera.


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