Kuala lumpur: The Sabah State Government anticipates that the water supply issues in Papar, Putatan, and Kimanis will be resolved by the end of this year with the completion of the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and the Kabang Raw Water Intake plant.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced that the Kogopon WTP, with a capacity of 80 million liters daily (MLD), and the new Kabang plant are expected to become operational in November and August, respectively. He has instructed the State Water Department to closely monitor these projects to ensure their timely completion without further delays.

Hajiji emphasized the importance of proactive measures in managing water shortages, urging for the deployment of water tanks to affected areas across the state. This statement was made following a briefing on the projects, which took place in Papar.

State Water Department director Chee Chun Chieh informed the Chief Minister that the Kogopon WTP, with an investment of RM365.9 million, is anticipated to start water distribution by the end of November, with full completion projected by 2028. Despite water supply challenges being a longstanding issue, Hajiji assured that the current administration is committed to addressing them responsibly.

The RM39.73 million Kabang Water Intake plant is nearing completion, with 90 percent of the work finished. It is scheduled to be commissioned by September. Situated further upstream on the Papar River, the new intake will enhance capacity from nine MLD to 30 MLD, effectively mitigating the salinity problems that often affect the existing Limbahau plant.