Water supply to drought- stricken Papar residents
Published on: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Staffers from the Papar MP’s office help local residents with water distribution at Kampung Tampasak Papar, March 14, 2024. — Bernama pic
Kota Kinabalu: Various agencies and departments have ramped up efforts to assist affected localities in response to the critical water supply crisis in Papar which was recently declared a drought emergency district.
Papar District Disaster Committee Management, led by District Officer Mohd Fuad Abdullah, has been at the forefront of coordinating efforts to ensure timely and effective assistance.
ADVERTISEMENT
The impact of the drought had been severe, affecting some 150,000 residents from 40 villages, eight schools, nine residential areas, and three houses of worship in the district on Sunday, said Mohd Fuad in a statement on Sunday.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the delivery of clean water supply is being carried out in three main areas according to a set schedule, namely in Kg Mandahan, the Sabah State Railway Department Kinarut Depot and Kinaruut Health Clinic.
To increase public awareness on prohibition of open burning, the Information Department on Sunday carried out Info on Wheels in six locations, namely Kg Pengalat Kecil, Kg Pengalat Besar, Kg Sekayan, Kg Melinsung Apartment, Kg Beringis and Kg Kawang.
The Papar Agriculture Department reported the temperature reached 33°C, affecting the production of short-term crops such as rice, vegetables and cash crops due to lack of water sources.
ADVERTISEMENT
The affected rice areas are 84.90 hectares involving 93 rice farmers in Limbahau (54.68 hectares) and Biau–Padawan (30.22 hectares).
“I advise those having trouble getting water to be smart about how they use it so that everyone can enjoy the clean water supply equally,” said Mohd Fuad.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I also think that everyone should pray for rain in the way that suits their beliefs,” he said.
The Disaster Operations Control Centre, which is made up of different agencies and departments and is open 24 hours a day at the Papar Secretariat Building, can be reached via 088-914999.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
