ALOR SETAR, July 12 — Kedah has introduced six short-term measures to resolve its problem of clean water supply, including forming an action committee, increasing the number of tube wells and providing static tanks to poor consumers.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said the other three measures were improving the delivery system for clean water, improving the complaints system for state water company Syarikat Air Darul Aman (Sada), and improving the usage of spring water.

“This is the plan for the short-term measures after talks were held for three hours between the state government, the opposition, Sada and other agencies.

“This is not a new problem but it has worsened following the El-Nino phenomenon, and today we agreed on the measures to be taken to resolve the issue immediately,” he told reporters after chairing a special meeting on the water issue at Wisma Darul Aman here today.

Ahmad Bashah said the action committee which included district officers as well as those from Sada and state and federal agencies, would work with the Geoscience Department to build tube wells in areas with water supply problems.

He said at present, there were eight tube wells in Kedah, each providing water to 1,000 consumers. He added that the cooperation of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKWL) and the Health Ministry would be sought to improve the quality of clean water.

“Sada has to increase the number of contractors to facilitate the delivery of clean water in areas which are frequently affected by low water pressure. We will also ensure that Sada improves their complaints system so that the public can send their complaints in order for immediate action to be taken,” he said.

Ahmad Bashah added that the state government would also supply static tanks with a capacity of 100 gallons of water to poor families who will be identified by the state assemblymen.

“Initially, we will supply static tanks to families which are in real need and the state assemblymen will determine who they are as they know the community better, but I urge the public to use the water well so that there is no wastage,” he said.

Ahmad Bashah said the KKWL had allocated RM37 million to Kedah for long-term rural water projects which would improve the water supply to the people.

He added that the state government would ensure all the short-term and long-term measures were carried out smoothly and well so that the people of Kedah would not face the water problem anymore. — Bernama