Mitigation work to restore water in Kinarut and Kawang, Sabah, is set for completion by Jan 24, reducing supply distance from 33km to 10.3km.
PAPAR: Immediate mitigation work to restore water supply in Kinarut and Kawang is targeted for completion by January 24.
Papar MP Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the project, involving pipe interconnection, is an immediate step by the Sabah state government to address disruptions since late December.
Physical ground work began on January 9 and is now being carried out intensively to meet the target.
“This interconnection will significantly reduce the water supply distance from the main tank of the Kogopon water treatment plant to Kawang’s main tank from 33 kilometres to just 10.3 km,” he said.
Armizan added this allows additional supplies to be channelled directly to meet critical needs in the affected areas.
The process involves a temporary 10-hour closure of the Kogopon plant for valve replacement work, expected to begin late on Tuesday night.
An official notice will be issued by the Sabah State Water Department.
The water treatment capacity at the Kogopon plant was also immediately increased by 10% as an interim measure.
This provides an additional 3.5 to 4 million litres per day while awaiting the Kogopon 2 upgrading project’s completion in Q4 2026.
“We are doing our best to stop the hardship being faced by the residents for so long,” Armizan said.
He expressed hope that the water rationing issue in the area can be resolved once this work is completed.
Residents had previously complained, with some forced to collect rainwater using ladles and buckets for survival.
