Over RM5 mln to fix Tawau sewerage system
TAWAU: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has approved an allocation of RM5,698,000 to expedite repairs to the non-functioning sewage system here.
Its minister, Datuk Peter Anthony said the allocation covers sewerage treatment plants in 13 residential areas and an industrial area, pump stations at five residential areas and an oxidation pond.
The sewerage treatment plants to be repaired are at Taman Kim Fook, Taman Ria 6 and 3, Taman Wawasan, Taman Kuhara Jaya, Taman Gembira, Taman Pasadena, Taman Hot Spring, Taman Amanah Park, Taman Univilla, Kg. Muhibbah Raya, Taman Bunga Tulip, Hwa Dat Industry and Taman Desa Ranggu, while the pump stations are at Thian Mee Light Industrial Area, Taman New Asia, Taman Shangrila, Taman Wira, Taman Fortuna and Sabindo Square, and an oxidation pond at Taman Semarak Bal.
He said, there will be improvements in the near future to compensate for all the equipment most of which were stolen as this was one of the reasons why the sewerage systems around the Tawau area were not fully functional.
About 70 percent of the sewerage in Tawau are in critical condition, he said, after visiting Taman Kim Fook, Taman Ria 3 and 6 treatment plants yesterday.
Peter said, he also had directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to discuss with the Tawau Municipal Council on ways to solve the problem of theft of the sewerage equipment.
On the theft problems in Tawau and Sandakan, he reckoned that there could be a syndicate involved as most of the equipment, such as pumps, wires, steel equipment, board switches and so on were stolen.
“I believe there is a syndicate involved, as recently PWD has arrested a suspect,” he said.
Peter said there were also other problems faced as most of these areas had made unauthorized renovations, thereby creating difficulties to monitor, clean and carry out repairs at the housing areas.
“We need to explain or create awareness to the people around the areas outside the city to help take care of government assets,” he said.