PENAMPANG: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan is urging the public to use water prudently.
Speaking at the World Water Day programme organised by the state Water Department yesterday, he said the government would take steps to better manage water resources.
The one-day programme was aimed at disseminating information on how to manage the resource and educating the public on how to save water.
Pairin said Malaysians use an average of 300 litres daily, which is double the amount recommended by the United Nations.
He said Sabah's annual rainfall of 2,500mm was enough to meet the needs of the population, but the possibility of a shortfall remained because of extreme weather conditions.
"We have to be ready to face extreme weather such as El Nino and Equinox by ensuring that we have enough water catchment areas to accommodate the needs of the people.
"Public awareness of water resource management is essential to ensure clean and adequate water supply for consumers."
On the proposed Kaiduan Dam in Papar, Pairin said additional water catchment areas were needed because of the growing population in Sabah, particularly in the west coast.
"The proposed dam will not only supply water to consumers here but also to others in other districts."
Pairin said the ministry would hold a dialogue with 110 households from affected villages in the upper reaches of Sungai Papar.
Earlier, opposition politicians, led by PKR Moyog assemblyman Terrence Siambun had protested against the proposal at the Sabah Cultural Centre where the event was held.
"The construction of the dam will affect 11 villages where there are churches and community halls, The project will also be a waste of public funds," said Terrence.
"It's better for the State Water Department to look into non-revenue water which stands at 57 per cent, rather than proceeding with the project."
Speaking at the World Water Day programme organised by the state Water Department yesterday, he said the government would take steps to better manage water resources.
The one-day programme was aimed at disseminating information on how to manage the resource and educating the public on how to save water.
Pairin said Malaysians use an average of 300 litres daily, which is double the amount recommended by the United Nations.
He said Sabah's annual rainfall of 2,500mm was enough to meet the needs of the population, but the possibility of a shortfall remained because of extreme weather conditions.
"We have to be ready to face extreme weather such as El Nino and Equinox by ensuring that we have enough water catchment areas to accommodate the needs of the people.
"Public awareness of water resource management is essential to ensure clean and adequate water supply for consumers."
On the proposed Kaiduan Dam in Papar, Pairin said additional water catchment areas were needed because of the growing population in Sabah, particularly in the west coast.
"The proposed dam will not only supply water to consumers here but also to others in other districts."
Pairin said the ministry would hold a dialogue with 110 households from affected villages in the upper reaches of Sungai Papar.
Earlier, opposition politicians, led by PKR Moyog assemblyman Terrence Siambun had protested against the proposal at the Sabah Cultural Centre where the event was held.
"The construction of the dam will affect 11 villages where there are churches and community halls, The project will also be a waste of public funds," said Terrence.
"It's better for the State Water Department to look into non-revenue water which stands at 57 per cent, rather than proceeding with the project."
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