Thousands of residents grappling with worsening water supply for the last three months.
SANDAKAN: Thousands of residents in Bandar Leila and surrounding areas in Karamunting are grappling with a worsening water supply crisis.
The issue has persisted for three months, leaving those living on the third and fourth floors of shop houses without water due to extremely low water pressure.
The situation has grown increasingly dire, with many residents resorting to drawing water from the first floor using hoses, while others have been forced to purchase their own water pumps to meet their daily needs.
Karamunting assemblyman Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin issued a stern statement, warning that the situation cannot be allowed to continue unchecked.
He also urged all parties to understand the facts before spreading information that could mislead residents.
According to George, the problem stems from the closure of the Hilltop Water Treatment Plant, which has run out of water supply.
As an immediate measure, an inline booster pump has been installed in Bandar Leila to improve water pressure to higher floors.
Representatives from Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and the Sabah Water Department provided updates on the measures being taken.
SESB’s Customer Experience & Revenue Assurance Manager for the East Zone, Budianto Joni, and the Sabah Water Department’s Assistant Engineer for Sandakan, Soffian Sabri, explained that electrical cabling for the pump would be completed by Monday.
A test run is scheduled for Tuesday, and if successful, water supply to the affected shop houses is expected to resume during off-peak hours on Tuesday night.
“This is only a temporary solution, but it’s a crucial first step to bring some relief to residents who have suffered for too long,” said George.
Other affected areas include Kampung Bokara, Kampung Air, and Jalan Batu Sapi, where the issue is linked to low water levels in the tank at the Sibuga Water Treatment Plant on Jalan Cecily, which has been unable to meet the demand for these areas.
George revealed that since December 25, two pumps have been operational after one of them, which had previously malfunctioned, was repaired.
The pumps are now working to raise the water level in the tank, and water supply to Jalan Batu Sapi and Kampung Bokara is expected to fully recover soon if all goes well.
“Progress is being made, and I urge everyone to remain patient. However, I will not rest until this problem is fully resolved,” he said.
In the face of mounting frustration, residents are calling for long-term solutions to prevent similar crises.
Many have had to adjust their lifestyles, relying on water sourced from the first floor or incurring additional expenses to purchase pumps.
George also cautioned against spreading inaccurate information.
“This is not the time for political games or creating confusion. Residents need action, not baseless accusations,” he said.
