LABUAN, July 14 — The unprecedented water crisis that crippled supply to the duty-free-island here entered its seventh day, with 85 per cent of consumers’ homes deprived of water, while the Labuan Water Department’s appointed contractors’ are still working to solve the problem.
Attempts to repair the leakage in the main pumping pipe at the Jalan Rancha-Rancha traffic lights since last Tuesday (July 7) have so far been unsuccessful as the affected area is submerged in flood waters.
Water Department director Muhammad Zulkeflee Yusof had earlier said that it would take at least 10 days after the completion of the repair works for the affected consumers to start getting clean water to their taps.
The leakage in the 800-millimeter main pumping pipe from receiver tanks at Pulau Enoe (that provides 85 per cent of water supply to consumers here) was detected on Saturday last week and the repair work was started three days later.
Among the factors that complicate the repair work is that the leaky pipe area is submerged in water, and although water is pumped out for welding work, the groundwater still continues to flood the affected area.
Employees of oil-and-gas companies, including from Petronas Carigali, have also offered assistance, but were still unsuccessful due to heavy rains flooding the area where the damaged pipe is located.
While awaiting the resumption of water to their taps and resorting to collecting water from water trucks sent by the local authorities, the affected residents said they have been left in the dark on the progress of the project.
The Labuan Corporation and Water Department have placed 43 static tanks with clean water in 35 locations in 27 villages and residential areas, but some consumers are still complaining about the inadequate supply of water.
“There is a lack of communications with the residents,,” said resident Aishah Bidin.
“I’m not sure what’s going on and I don’t know when we are going to see a solution,” Aishah said.
Another resident, Elvinna Sibil said the lack of water is a major inconvenience.
“I’ve been boiling water that I’ve been getting from this water truck to do dishes,” she said.
“We’ve been having bird baths for days now. My laundry is piling up. There are so many things that you can’t do.”
The water woes have also affected the Membedai Health Clinic and the Labuan Water Department has been sending water supply via its water tanker daily to the clinic.
Local folks hope to have water supply restored before the Hari Raya Aidil Adha celebrations at the end of July.
Source: BERNAMA