LABUAN: MP Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman said the almost week-long near water crisis here last week was an “act of God” and the Water Supply Department (JBA) should not be blamed for the unfortunate situation.
He said the dry taps were not due to technical or other problems but caused by torrential downpour causing severe landslides at the hilly part of Jalan Bukit Besar, which caused several houses to collapse, including the major water pipeline, in the area.
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“JBA immediately initiated efforts to fix it but it was hampered by the landslides, causing the delay, and I have been told that water supply to hundreds of households will return to normal by today (Wednesday),” he said.
He said it should be appreciated that the Madani government had allocated RM300 million to replace obsolete pipelines and water-related facilities, and as a result, compared to previously, there were less complaints about dry pipes.
“Some problems that do crop up at times are unexpected and unavoidable. What is important is immediate action is taken.”
PAS Chief here, Tuan Hamir Zahari, in a rare posting in the social media, questioned JBA’s efficiency and effectiveness in dealing with the water supply disruption.
According to him, JBA should have immediately called for a meeting with Labuan Corporation and the Fire and Rescue Department to launch an integrated effort to help folks with dry taps using water trucks, but this was not done.
He said PAS regretted that the department, instead, advised those without water to secure from locations with water storage.
