Monday, Oct 5, 2015
By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nst.com.myPictures by Lano Lan.
KOTA BELUD: Federal government will work closely with Sabah government to address water shortage here following the polluted main raw water source of Kadamaian river after mudslides.
Energy, Green Technology and Water minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said initial evaluation from experts indicated the water quality of the river would take at least 20 years to recover.
"The ministry will be funding a major study costing about RM2 million to look for new water resources.
"The study will take up about six months to a year for before consultants consider proposals on for the long term solutions," he said, adding the ministry would be working with state
Infrastructure development to expedite the appointment of consultants to conduct the study.
Ongkili was speaking after launching of the three million litre per day capacity of portable water treatment units at Kampung Tambulion laut here yesterday.
Before the second mudslide which hit the district on July 12, Kadamaian river supplied 90 per cent of raw water to be used among the people in town and Bayayat here.
Gravity water system, which are used by some of those people from rural areas, were also damaged when mudslide hit their areas.
He said among immediate short term solutions for the water woes here include building 25 bore holes which cost about RM12 million.
"Sabah Water department had identified the underground water sites and pending reports from consultants," he added.
Earlier, Ongkili who is also Kota Marudu member of parliament, said the portable water treatment units would be able to cater drinkable water for 13,000 people.
The French technology water unit taps raw water from Sungai Wario at the village.
Kg Tambulion village Development and Security Committee chairman Fandhy Rajin said the villagers were grateful to have continuous water supply now.
"After the mudslide, we often have to rely on water department to deliver water from outside."
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