KOTA KINABALU: Several Water Department contractors in Sandakan have stopped work as they have not been paid since last year, claimed DAP Sabah chief Stephen Wong.
Wong said that this had delayed and slowed down water supply repair works in the district.
To his knowledge, he said only one contractor was still willing to do work in Sandakan.
“But one contractor can only do so much,” he lamented, adding that one contractor from Beaufort had lodged a police report claiming non-payment by the Water Department for the whole of last year.
“In Sandakan it is the same situation. They (contractors) are refusing to work and the service is getting worse. When there is a leaking pipe no one comes to repair immediately. Work will only be done two to three days later,” he claimed at a press conference yesterday.
Also present were DAP Sabah secretary Chan Foong Hin and vice chairmen Frankie Poon Ming Fung.
Wong said when he called up the Water Department in Sandakan to complain, he was informed that they were short handed.
“Maybe because of the money scandal that the Water Department has problems paying its contractors. I am worried about the situation in Sandakan as many residents living in high-rise residential units there are complaining that the water pressure is low.
“I met with the Water Department director last month and asked him to look into the matter. I urge the department and Deputy Chief Minister cum Infrastructure Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan to look into resolving the problem as soon as possible as it is not fair to the contractor and the public,” he stressed.