Peter (second left) officiating at the ceremony. Also seen is Richard (second left).
KOTA KINABALU: The state government is in the midst of establishing the Sewerage Service Department, a single entity under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development aimed at reinforcing the state’s sewerage management and planning.
Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony said with the establishment, sewerage issues can be dealt with in a manner that is more focused, comprehensive and holistic.
“The Public Works Department (PWD) Sabah has taken over the management of public assets such as roads and sewerage system from the local authorities (PBT) in stages,” he said at the PWD Recognition and Appreciation Ceremony on Tuesday.
“However, PWD Sabah had faced many challenges upon taking over the sewerage system. Among them are the need for more staff and the absorption of experienced personnel from the PBT,” Peter disclosed.
“Other challenges include the difficulty in identifying damaged and worn assets as well as the need to apply for more allocations to accommodate all the management work.”
“The Infrastructure Development Ministry had always supported the PWD’s effort to obtain more staff; I myself had brought up this issue to the state cabinet meeting last week.
“I am pleased to announce that the cabinet paper to fill in 570 critical vacancies and 333 posts on the Management and Professional Group as well as 675 posts in the Implementation Group 1 through the restructuring of the PWD – has been fulfilled,” Peter said.
During the event, 93 PWD Sabah personnel were presented with the Excellent Service Award.
Also present in the event was PWD Sabah director Richard Jomjil Kinsil.