F.T. WATER DEPT IN THE WORKS

‘Lakes in Putrajaya can reduce dependence on Selangor’

THE Federal Territories Ministry is waiting for approval from the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (KeTTHA) to establish the Federal Territories (FT) Water Department to manage water supply in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the ministry had submitted a cabinet proposal for FT to have its own water management body.

He said based on the ministry’s study, lakes and existing technology in Putrajaya were capable of supplying water to Kuala Lumpur, adding that this would reduce dependency on supply from Selangor.

“I have informed the government on the need for the ministry to have its own water department. We are now waiting for the decision by KeTTHA," he said after opening a surau at 1Malaysia Civil Servant Housing Scheme (PPA1M) Selasih in Presint 17 here yesterday.

He was commenting on BH Ahad and New Sunday Times front-page reports yesterday on the Selangor government’s longstanding water-restructuring issues, which had led to a continuous water crisis in the Klang Valley.

It was reported that the Federal Government had invested RM22.3 billion since 2010 in providing infrastructure for water supply in the state. However, the restructuring had yet to be implemented. It was reported that the money invested should have been paid back annually.

Instead. the PKR-led state government had used the money to gain popularity by giving out 20 cubic metres of free water.

Tengku Adnan said he was “sick” of the Selangor government, which had continuously neglected the people’s problems pertaining to the water issue.

“The ministry, through Kuala Lumpur City Hall, has always helped the people by sending water supply to affected areas,” he added.