Tag - Water

By MOHD IZHAM B. HASHIM KOTA KINABALU: Integrated efforts are crucial in managing the state’s water resources to ensure water security and improve supply of safe, clean and treated water to meet growing demand, said Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman. The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of efficient management of water supply for everyday life which is considered a primary resource inextricably linked to human development and economic activities especially in the agriculture and tourism sectors. “The state is blessed with abundant supply of natural water resources but without proper management, this will have a negative impact on everyday life due to the fact that water is a vital resource upon which nearly all social and economic activities and ecosystem functions depend on,” he said at the opening of the Sabah World Water Day Conference and Exhibition 2018 here yesterday. The text of his speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin who is also Agriculture and Food Industry Minister. Musa also highlighted that the government has implemented various programmes aimed at improving the delivery of clean, safe, treated water supply for the well-being of the people and to ensure economic progress in the state. “Among the initiatives include a comprehensive review in identifying the state’s rainwater catchment areas which need to be preserved and protected in line with the Sabah Water Supply Enactment 1998,” he added. According to him, the catchment areas identified included villages which still used the traditional gravity-fed system to acquire water supply apart from domestic and economic catchment areas. The Chief Minister also that the programme’s theme this year – “Nature for Water” – was an important focus as it is also put the spotlight on the state’s planning of water resources in the future apart from policies, techniques and latest innovations in water management strategies. “Undoubtedly, the government-led initiatives in rainforest conservation efforts with the set target of securing 30 percent of totally protected areas (TPAs) is also an important strategy for preserving the function of rainforests as natural water catchment areas apart from being sanctuaries for countless endemic flora and fauna,” Musa said. He also said the implementation of the Heart of Borneo Initiative, Certification of Rainforest Management, as well as forest rehabilitation and replanting initiatives were part of strategies for rainforest conservation. Meanwhile, he urged all relevant parties and stakeholders involved in the water sector to work together towards ensuring Sabah’s water security which was the main priority of the government to ensure sufficient water supply for every city, town and village across the state. Apart from ensuring clean water supply, Musa said the state government has also outlined strategies to improve the sewerage systems with the passing of the State Sewerage Services Enactment in 2017. He said this was aimed at lessening the impact of pollution from sewerage and drain systems. “The Enactment will ensure the impact of pollution from sewerage systems is properly coordinated, regulated and effectively reduced to meet set quality standards before being discharged back into the rivers,” he said. He also said the state was preparing a comprehensive sewerage infrastructure plan to be implemented throughout the state, aided with the latest technical specifications aimed at reducing the impact of pollution caused by untreated sewerage. “Water is the crucial element for everyday life and enhancing public awareness is essential to ensure more people understand the importance of managing and preserving our precious water resources,” Musa said, noting that more awareness campaigns needed to be conducted more regularly. Musa also said with knowledge and heightened awareness, the people could play a more proactive role in managing water supply more effectively. Among the community-orientated programmes include the traditional Tagal carried out by the Fisheries Department and the regular monitoring of river water quality by local communities working together with the state Department of Water and Drainage. Among those present were Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid, Assistant Rural Development Minister Datuk Nilwan Kabang as well as Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming. Source: New Sabah Times