Warisan leader: Tawau residents endure water disruptions of up to two weeks, urges govt to act

Tawau residents have faced water supply interruptions lasting up to two weeks, prompting Warisan leader Istefan Koh to appeal to the state government and Sabah Water Department to take swift and thorough action. Complaints originated from neighborhoods in Bandar Sri Indah, Batu Payung, Ranggu, Apas Permai, Taman Millennium, Kongsi 10, Taman Sri Balung and other impacted regions.

Residents in Bandar Sri Indah endured water supply disruptions for ten days, whereas those in Batu Payung, Ranggu, Apas Permai, and Taman Millennium experienced up to two-week outages. The prolonged shortages have strained households, disrupting daily routines like cooking, bathing, washing clothes, and maintaining hygiene. These challenges are particularly severe for families with young children, seniors, and those needing special care, as well as small businesses reliant on a steady water supply.

Istefan emphasized that "clean water is a basic necessity, not a luxury," and urged authorities to promptly address the issue with concrete measures. These measures include augmenting water tanker deliveries, implementing a structured distribution plan, particularly in areas facing extended disruptions, and providing transparent updates on the root causes and recovery timeline.

He also called for strengthening oversight of relevant agencies to ensure a permanent resolution, rather than temporary fixes. Istefan noted that Tawau residents seek nothing more than a dependable source of clean water for their daily needs, demanding authorities attend to each complaint and provide clear timelines for restoring water supply.