HIDDEN hands may be behind the surge in non-revenue water (NRW) following the Sabah Water Department’s decision to scrap the contracts of six firms, said its director.

Amarjit Singh cited five “unusual” incidents believed to be linked to the termination two days ago of 20-year contracts given to the companies by the previous government.

He said two pipes burst, two air valves were broken and one offtake valve was shut, affecting thousands of residents in Alam Mesra, Sulaman and Luyang.

“At this point, we are not pointing fingers at anyone. But this happened during the festive season, when uninterrupted water supply is very much needed.

“If the department fails to address this problem, it will look bad for the government,” he told an emergency press conference at his office at Wisma Muis in Kota Kinabalu.

Amarjit said the offtake valve in Luyang near Taman Rimba was shut down on purpose, and that a police report has been lodged.

“We were told that an eyewitness, who was working in a nearby building, saw a man with a pipe wrench. He was driving a grey Isuzu Trooper, and was seen near the valve.”

The department was able to restore water supply 12 hours after the incident, he said.

“I have asked police to help keep an eye on our pipes, which seem to have been targeted. They said they are willing to help monitor the department’s pipes and assets.”

He gave an assurance that the 1,335 workers to be laid off by the six companies will be absorbed into the department, adding that there is no reason for them to want to sabotage water supply lines. – December 24, 2018.