Taking over of water supply in Sabah raises concerns, says Jeffrey Kitinggan
The terminations would be seen as a witch-hunt by the state government considering that the concession agreements were signed by the previous BN administration.
(FMT) – A Sabah opposition leader today raised concerns that the termination of water supply maintenance contracts for 58 water treatment plants in Sabah could worsen incidences of water supply disruptions in the state.
Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Jeffrey Kitingan said since the contracts were terminated on Jan 15, there were immediate water supply disruptions in Kudat and Sandakan.
“Hopefully, this does not herald the beginning of more problems,” he said in a statement here today.
He pointed out that the were issues of legality over the terminations with at least two of the water concessionaires disputing the terminations.
“Did the Sabah government and the Sabah Water Department director think out clearly and consult the state attorney-general before terminating these water concessions?
“The concessionaires alleged that no meeting was held with them before the termination. There were also allegations that the director had refused to meet the concessionaires.
“Were the interests and welfare of the general public prioritised and taken into consideration (before these terminations) to ensure water supply was not jeopardised and the water quality not compromised?”
Jeffrey was also concerned that the terminations would be seen as a witch-hunt by the state government considering that the concession agreements were signed by the previous BN administration.
He said there was also the question of whether the Sabah government will be sued and be liable for compensation for carrying out the terminations.
“The concerns become more acute with the recent outbreak of cholera in parts of Sabah, especially in the capital city Kota Kinabalu, and with Chinese New Year festivities around the corner in early February,” he said.
The Keningau MP and Tambunan assemblyman said any major disruption and contribution to another cholera outbreak will not only put the daily lives of Sabahans at risk but also affect foreign tourists, expected to flock here during the Chinese New Year holiday period.
Obviously, he said the water disruptions do not paint a good picture of the situation or the handling of the termination by the department.
Handling of workers of concessionaires
The reported handling of the workers of the concessionaires is also open to questions and concerns, Jeffrey said.
“Apparently, the director had flown by helicopter on the last day before the termination of the concessionaires to meet the employees of the concessionaires and their sub-contractors. He asked them to stay on and work with the department.
“The employees were only asked to fill in job application forms and were not given appointment letters.
“What will happen if any untoward incidents happen between the terminations and the workers’ absorption into the civil service?
“What will happen if some of them opt not to join the government service? And what will be the consequences to the water supply if such a situation arises, resulting in insufficient personnel, especially professionals and technicians, involved in the production of clean water?”
Jeffrey was also worried whether the director had taken proper procedures to absorb these workers into the civil service.
Likewise, he said the state government should also explain to the public how this absorption could impact the financial situaton of the civil service after absorbing the 1,300 previously employed by the concessionaires.
“Considering that water supply is a critical and important function, the Sabah government and the Sabah Water Department ought to be transparent and be accountable. They owe the people a clear and proper explanation.”
