SANDAKAN: Repair works on a burst 1.2-metre diameter water main near the Taman Nasalim roundabout here have been delayed due to the presence of multiple underground utilities, said Sabah Water Department Director Chee Chun Chieh.
Chee said the area is congested with telecommunication cables, untreated water pipes, and other infrastructure, complicating excavation and repair efforts.
“The overlapping layers of underground utilities make it difficult for repair works to proceed smoothly, disrupting efforts to restore water supply to affected areas,” he said.
The incident has caused a sharp drop in water pressure across several parts of Sandakan, including PPR Harmoni, Bandar Kim Fung, Sunny Estate, Kampung Sim-Sim, and Taman Grandview, leaving thousands of residents facing water disruptions for up to 10 days.
Chee briefed Parti Warisan Supreme Council member Calvin Chong Ket Kiun, who had sought clarification on the matter.
Chong expressed concern over the prolonged crisis and urged authorities to expedite repairs while implementing long-term measures to prevent recurrence.
“This situation is extremely distressing. Residents’ household water tanks have completely run dry, forcing them to search for water daily. This should not be happening in our town,” he said.
He also criticised the frequent water disruptions in Sandakan, highlighting their impact on daily life, business operations and investment.
“Previously, I was accused of scaring away investors, but now the reality speaks for itself. The water crisis is what scares them, not my words,” he said.
As an immediate solution, Chong proposed constructing large-scale water storage tanks in areas frequently affected by water cuts.
For the long term, he suggested building a new water treatment plant at Sungai Labuk to increase clean water supply capacity for Sandakan residents.
“If both plans can be implemented within the next five years, I believe the water supply issues in Sandakan can be effectively resolved, easing the people’s burden,” he said.
