Sabah’s Water Woes: Drought Emergency Sparks Urgent Response

In Sabah, a drought emergency has been declared, compelling authorities to dispatch an army of trucks carrying water tanks to the main town and numerous villages. This urgent response aims to alleviate the severe water shortage impacting the region. The government has been working tirelessly to restore the water supply, which has been compromised by several factors, including low river levels and seawater contamination.

The crisis has been brewing for some time, as evidenced by recurring headlines over the years. The facility along the Papar river, a crucial source of raw water for the district, was forced to shut down due to critically low river levels. Alarmingly, seawater managed to travel 13 kilometers upstream, further contaminating the raw water supply. This situation underscores the long-standing issues with Sabah's water infrastructure, which is in a state of disrepair.

The proportion of residents with access to safe drinking water in Sabah remains significantly below the national average. As local authorities scramble to address the immediate needs, Deputy Chief Minister Shahelmey Yahya dismissed claims of a full-blown water crisis. He described the situation as a "shortage," attributing it to climate change and delays in water-related projects.

The district affected by the water crisis covers an area nearly twice the size of Singapore. The government has recognized the urgency of the situation, deploying trucks laden with water tanks to distribute essential supplies to the hardest-hit areas. Despite these efforts, the prolonged lack of investment in infrastructure has exacerbated the challenges faced by Sabah's residents.

Climate change has undoubtedly played a role in exacerbating the water shortage, with irregular weather patterns and extended dry spells becoming increasingly common. However, delays in implementing critical water-related projects have compounded the crisis. These projects, aimed at improving infrastructure and ensuring a reliable water supply, have failed to keep pace with the growing demand.