Forced to use dirty water sources

KOTA MARUDU Feb. 26 - It is difficult to imagine if you are in a situation where the residents of Popok Laut Village here, especially when it comes to water supply for daily use such as bathing, washing and cooking.

The Kinarom River flowing in the village did not give much hope to the residents, but had to be used as a bath because no other water sources could be used as a place to clean themselves after a day's work.

According to one resident, Sabri Sindong, 23, the river that supplied water to more than 400 residents in the area has so far been no longer clean to use because it is often contaminated with animal carcasses.

What was surprising, the UMNO Youth chief of the Popok Laut branch claimed that the river was also used as a waste disposal site from a pig farm in a nearby village.

"Prior to this, there was a project to install clean water pipes in this village and to ease the population, but at the same time dismissed us all," he said.

Sabri added that the water pipe had not been operating without any reasonable excuse even though all pipe stacks had been planted.

As a result, residents had to buy drinking water in the town of Kota Marudu and some had to walk to the village's grocery store for drinking water.

"There is no other way, for the demands of life and need of clean water, we are trying to get water even further," lamented a housewife living with her nine children, Jailah Olon, 53.

The housewife had to take turns with her children to buy 50 liters of drinking water a day at a nearby grocery store.

For Popok Laut Village Chief, Asmarah Matusin, 63, the water crisis in the village should not have arisen because their elected representatives in the Kota Marudu parliament are Datuk Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili who is also the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water.

What's more, last year the river was declared by the Kota Marudu Health Department to be used for drinking, washing and bathing because of contamination and high levels of acidity.

Asmarah stressed that their representatives' attention is indispensable for dealing with the water crisis, as well as helping residents who are not capable of installing meters to their homes.

"Only eight out of 78 heads of families have permanent jobs here, so the data show that most of the residents are hardcore poor and need to be given proper assistance.

"We are telling the truth not to discredit leaders, but we are telling our situation because I understand there are those outside this village who need defense, but the priority is to be put here," said Asmarah.

The fate of the 416 villagers from the Bajau and Muslim tribes was published by the newspaper in December 2012, but has not received the proper attention from the parties.