Kota Kinabalu: The Lahad Datu Water Supply Scheme Phase 1 project, which involves the construction of a new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) with a capacity of 60 million litres per day (MLD), has reached 91.66 percent completion.
Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the project is expected to be completed on 10 July 2027 and will enhance operational efficiency as well as increase water production capacity in the district.
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“The project is expected to benefit approximately 230,960 residents, while also supporting the needs of the industrial sector in Lahad Datu.
“In addition to expanding coverage, the project will also improve the level of water supply services for consumers.
“Among the areas set to benefit are Jalan Segama, Jalan Bakawali, Taman CL, Kampung Damai, Kimbell, Jalan Dam, Taman Executive, Taman Lily and Jalan Agaseh.
“Also included are Jalan Tengah Nipah, Kampung Sabah Baru PRKT 1, Jalan Kastam Baru, the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC), as well as the entire Lahad Datu town area,” he said while responding to a question from Kapayan State Assemblyman, Chin Tek Ming, during the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Thursday.
Questions have been raised over delays in the Lahad Datu water supply upgrade project as it approaches its revised completion date.
Key components remain unfinished despite years of implementation.
Segama Assemblyman Muhd Abdul Karim said a recent site visit found critical parts of the project, including the water intake structure and pipelines linking it to the treatment plant, were not fully completed.
He noted that the project had been underway for six to seven years and was previously scheduled for completion earlier, but is now expected to be completed July 2027.
“Given that only a limited time remains, what assurance can the ministry provide that the project will be completed on schedule, and can it guarantee there will be no further extensions of time (OT)?” he asked.
Responding, Dr Joachim said the ministry still had about a year to complete the project and will intensify monitoring through the Water Department to ensure timelines are met.
He stressed that extensions of time are not granted arbitrarily but on a case-by-case basis, adding that all applications would be carefully reviewed before approval.
Concerns over water supply reliability were also raised by Senallang assemblyman Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, who noted that although the supply may be sufficient on paper, many areas still face disruptions.
He highlighted public complaints about difficulties obtaining water from the Water Department, forcing some to rely on private water tankers.
Joachim acknowledged the concerns but said the issues raised were beyond the scope of the original question, adding that the ministry would nevertheless take note and continue monitoring relevant departments to improve efficiency and ensure compliance with procedures.
