KOTA KINABALU: An additional RM2mil has been allocated to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to implement short-term projects to address the water supply issue on its campus, in addition to the RM3mil announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last May for internal water resource supply innovation projects at UMS.
Following a group of UMS students expressing their frustration over the campus water woes, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir announced the extra funding after being received by a group of UMS students armed with placards.
The students, who had waited for over an hour for Zambry to arrive at 11am for a working visit to UMS, even had a song ready for the Minister.
“Selamat datang, selamat datang YB Menteri, kami tak mandi, sorry YB (welcome minister, we have not showered, sorry minister,” they sang, as Zambry stepped down from the bus carrying him and his entourage.
Some of the placards read “we love our university, but do you love us?”, while another stated “return our rights”.
Zambry took the time to check out the placards in the peaceful mini rally and later spoke to the students, assuring the government was doing its best to remedy the issue.
His deputy Mustapha Sakmud and UMS vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor were also present during the dialogue with Anwar, in which students conveyed their predicament of daily routine without consistent water supply.
During the visit, Zambry announced an RM1mil allocation for works to improve water pressure, particularly for student residences located at higher elevation, and another RM1mil for works on the tube well system, as short-term solutions.
For the long term, the Sabah government plans to build a large reservoir pond but it will take some time, he added.
Addressing when the UMS water supply problem will be resolved with the RM5mil funding, Zambry said he preferred not to give a timeline but stressed the importance of not stretching the issue too long.
He also emphasized the need to avoid bureaucracy and red tape becoming the main obstacle in resolving the problem.
Regarding the initial RM3mil, Zambry confirmed that the money was being utilized for ongoing works and stated the UMS management can communicate the progress to the student body.
Water Department lorries have been sending water to the UMS campus here but it was insufficient for the residents, it was learned.
