New hi-tech sewage plant launched in Lahad Datu
LAHAD DATU: The new sewage system, the Regional Sewage Treatment Plant (RSTP) built in Kampung Busul, here is equipped with the latest technology and expected to be more efficient in its function.
Deputy Chief Minister cum Infrastructure Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the construction of this new sewage system was carried out to accommodate the rapid development in the area.
Pairin said the new sewage treatment plant will be replacing the existing system, which uses the oxidant pond built in the 1980s.
“The old system could only accommodate 12,500PE (Population Equivalent) while the new system could accommodate a capacity of up to 50,000PE.
“This system will be using sophisticated mechanical and electrical tools to optimise the process of sewage treatment,” he said.
Pairin, when met after officiating at the RSTP yesterday, said the plant is expected to improve treatment quality to achieve Standard A according to the Environment Department’s specification.
He added that Lahad Datu is lucky to have the new sewage system, which could also enable better health, hygiene and environmental conservation for this area.
“Thanks to the government for providing allocation to ensure the construction of this sewage system that will certainly benefit the people here,” Pairin said.
Construction of the RSTP began on July 11, 2013 at the cost of RM29,227,783. The project also includes sewerage alignment, construction of sewage pumping stations, laboratories, rest houses and mechanical and electrical buildings.
Earlier, Pairin also visited the Pan Borneo Highway project site where he was briefed about the implementation process of the project.
He was accompanied by Assistant Infrastructure Ministers Datuk Bobbey Ahfang Suan and Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan, Lahad Datu assemblyman Datuk Mohd Yusof Apdal, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development Datuk Michael Emban and State Public Works Department director Datuk Ir Amrullah Kamal.
According to Pairin, the Pan Borneo Highway project (Package 21) involving seven kilometres was delayed, currently estimated to be at two percent of the original schedule.
However, he said they have already found the solution to overcome the delay and the implementation of the project is expected to go well.
Pairin also informed reporters that the aim of his visit to development project sites in Lahad Datu, Tawau and Semporna was aimed at monitoring the implementation of the projects and to find out if there were any problems affecting the developers.
He stressed that such visits were important to ensure that all the projects were implemented well and to convey any information or problem about the development projects that people should know about.