Water Supply In Tawau Affected Following Floods That Hit The District Yesterday
KOTA KINABALU: The flood disaster that hit Tawau yesterday has affected the operations of several Water Treatment Plants (LRA) in the district, disrupting water supply to 5,578 user accounts.
Deputy Chief Minister I cum Sabah Works and Utilities Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, said the affected WTPs are Apas Balung 1 and 2, the Northern WTP, and the Cinta Mata WTP.
He said Apas Balung 1 and 2 had to be temporarily halted after the plant area was completely inundated, causing damage to facilities and key mechanical and electrical (M&E) components.
“The Sabah Water Department (JANS) is aware of the water supply disruption currently being experienced by some consumers in the Tawau district following the flood disaster affecting the operation of several WTPs.
“We understand the inconvenience faced by consumers and are implementing various measures to restore water supply as soon as possible,” he said in a media statement issued today.
Joachim said JANS Tawau operations and technical teams are conducting thorough inspections, as well as carrying out plant cleaning and repairing damaged components to enable Apas Balung 1 and 2 to resume operations.
He said the Northern WTP and the Cinta Mata WTP have already resumed operations, while treated water production is being gradually increased to help stabilise supply to consumers.
“To reduce the impact of the disruption, JANS Tawau has also activated a temporary mitigation plan by sending water supply using tanker lorries to affected areas.
“JANS assures that all efforts are being intensified to speed up the recovery process and ensure the water supply system returns to stable operation as soon as possible,” he said.
Joachim said the state government, through JANS, is focusing on a long-term solution through the implementation of the Phase III Water Supply Scheme Project – Design and Construction of the Tawau Dam, which is expected to be completed by October next year.
He said the project is not only expected to strengthen the water supply system in the district, but also help establish a more sustainable flood control system in the future.
He also assured that JANS Tawau will continue to monitor the situation continuously and update the public through the department’s official channels.
As of 12 noon today, flood victims in Tawau remain recorded at 335 people housed at the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at the Tawau Sports Complex Multi-Purpose Hall.
Berita Harian