SIBU: The Sarawak National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) is disappointed with the water supply disruption crisis that has lasted for almost two weeks in the Eco Garden housing estate here.
MTPN Sarawak president Lucas Lau said that since Sept 24, more than 400 residents in the area have been forced to live without clean water supply, a situation that is described as unjust and violates the basic rights of consumers.
“Water is a basic necessity of life that cannot be compromised because it is important for personal hygiene, sanitation, as well as the continuity of daily operations of local residents and businesses.
“The problem of water shortages for more than 10 days is not only inconvenient, but also affects public health.
“Residents are now living in a stressful and uncomfortable situation,” he said in a statement here on Sunday (Oct 6).
According to Lau, MTPN Sarawak has received more than 80 official complaints from Eco Garden residents expressing their frustration and desperation due to the lack of water for a long period.
He said apart from the water supply problem itself, another issue that has angered residents is the lack of communication and clear guidance from the authorities on how to apply for emergency water supply assistance.
“The most affected are families with disabled people (OKU) and small children. Without clean water, they face great difficulty in managing personal hygiene and daily needs.
“Many residents do not know how to contact or apply for water tanker assistance from the Sibu Water Board.
“This shows a serious weakness in the communication system during a crisis,” he said.
In this regard, he urged the relevant authorities to take immediate and responsible action to address the issue before the situation worsens.
Lau suggested water tankers be sent immediately to the Eco Garden area to meet the urgent needs of the affected residents.
“In addition, the authorities also need to openly explain the procedures for applying for emergency water assistance so that residents know how to get assistance in times of crisis,” he stressed.
He also suggested that public bathroom facilities at strategic locations such as the stadium be temporarily opened to Eco Garden residents to utilise to ensure personal hygiene can be maintained throughout the disruption period.
