TAWAU, Oct 18 — Residents in several areas here have been forced to endure prolonged water supply disruptions lasting up to two weeks, prompting calls for the state government and Sabah Water Department to take immediate and comprehensive action.

Parti Warisan Tawau’s Istefan Koh said complaints had been received from residents in Bandar Sri Indah, Batu Payung, Ranggu, Apas Permai, Taman Millennium, Kongsi 10, Taman Sri Balung and other affected areas.

He said residents in Bandar Sri Indah had reportedly experienced water supply disruptions for 10 days, while those in Batu Payung, Ranggu, Apas Permai and Taman Millennium had faced disruptions lasting up to two weeks.

“The situation raises serious concerns about the management of water supply and the effectiveness of remedial measures taken by the authorities,” he said in a statement.

Istefan said prolonged disruptions had placed considerable strain on households, affecting daily activities such as cooking, bathing, washing clothes and maintaining personal hygiene.

He said the situation was particularly difficult for families with young children, senior citizens and individuals requiring special care, while small businesses dependent on a consistent water supply could also suffer operational setbacks.

“Clean water is a basic necessity, not a luxury. Residents should not have to endure days or even weeks without a reliable water supply,” he said.

Istefan urged the state government and Sabah Water Department to take concrete measures to ease the burden on affected communities, including increasing water tanker deliveries and ensuring a systematic distribution schedule, particularly in areas experiencing prolonged disruptions.

He also called on the authorities to provide transparent updates on the causes of the disruptions, ongoing recovery efforts, and the expected timeframe for the water supply to return to normal.

He said the state government should strengthen its oversight of the relevant agencies and ensure the issue was not addressed solely through temporary measures.

A comprehensive assessment of the existing infrastructure, supply capacity, distribution systems and maintenance procedures was also necessary to identify the root causes of the disruptions and prevent similar problems from recurring, he added.

Istefan said Tawau residents were not asking for more than a reliable supply of clean water to meet their daily needs.

He urged the authorities to give due attention to every complaint and ensure residents were not left waiting indefinitely without clear information on when their water supply would be restored.

“Residents need immediate action, transparent explanations and long-term solutions. The government must demonstrate its commitment through tangible action, not merely promises,” he said. — The Borneo Post