Pitas celebrate Hari Raya without clean water

No clean water supply in Pitas during Ramadan, Aidilfitri 

ZININ ANDONG

PITAS: The Sabah State Government has been urged to decide soon on the status of State Water Department; whether it should remain as a department or be privatized so that the water supply problems here can be fully resolved. 

Pitas Parti Warisan Sabah Coordinator Mohd. Zinin Andong Ajak said that he was made to understand that due to the impasse in making decision, the department now is facing a shortage of staff and beseted financial problems to pay their contractor’s claim. 

“There has been no clean water supply in Pitas throughout the fasting month and Hari Raya Aidilfitri up till now. The people here have to depend on mineral water to cook, drink and bath,” he said. 

According to Zinin, he was aware of some efforts by the authorities in the constituency and at the ministry level, but the water problem has remained unresolved because of the lack of manpower and funding that require a state cabinet decision and solution. 

“While waiting for a decision and solution from the Sabah Government, the lack of clean water has greatly affected various sectors such as mosques, carwash, restaurants, laundry shops, holding of festive events and daily activities,” he said.  

Zinin said, he had received information that the clean water supply problem was due to damage water pump plant generator.

However, at the same time, there appeared to be a water pump that used Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd power that had never been used for years. 

The contractor appointed for maintenance of the waterworks had also stopped work because they have yet to receive their payment, Zinin claimed.

Zinin said the water supply problem in Pitas has persisted for years and is becoming increasingly complicated. 

“Besides untreated water supply, there is also a low water pressure and notices of water supply disruption not reaching the consumers,” he said.

The Borneo Post 4/7/17

Utusan Borneo 4/7/17