Persistent Sandakan water woes

Daily Express

a day ago

Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025
Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 Text Size: 'I reported a major pipe leak in a housing area, but instead of immediate action, the entire neighbourhood was left dry for days before repairs even started,' Taren said. SANDAKAN: Sandakan residents continue to endure water disruptions with little improvement despite repeated government assurances, said Sandakan Indian Association Patron Taren Sunil Manoharan. 'We keep hearing that solutions are coming, but the dry taps tell a different story,' he said, adding that families are struggling daily with no relief in sight. The latest outage hit Taman Melrose at Mile 3½, Jalan Utara, where low pressure began on May 23, followed by a complete cut-off by May 28. Though supply resumed a day later, weak pressure persisted, disrupting households and schools. 'Unplanned outages add unnecessary stress, especially for working parents and children,' he said. Water woes plague much of Sabah, with frequent pipe bursts and machinery failures cited as causes. While scheduled maintenance is understandable, Taren criticised delayed responses to emergencies, such as unrepaired leaks wasting treated water. 'I reported a major pipe leak in a housing area, but instead of immediate action, the entire neighbourhood was left dry for days before repairs even started,' he said. Frustration also mounts over the Water Department's unresponsive CareLine, leaving residents without updates. Taren urged ministers and local leaders to act decisively. 'A senior minister once hinted at restructuring the Water Department and an MP demanded dismissals. But we need real action, not just talk,' he said. While demanding accountability, Taren acknowledged that underfunding and ageing infrastructure may be key hurdles. 'If funding is the issue, the government must admit it. Frontline staff should not bear all the blame. Sabahans have suffered too long, this crisis must end,' he said. He called for transparency, urgent upgrades, and stronger leadership to resolve Sandakan's water nightmare. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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