KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has allocated RM42,644,554 to the state services department for maintenance work.
In addition, state assistant Public Works Minister Datuk Limus Jury said that under the Local Authority Sewerage Scheme programme, the Sabah government allocated RM10,931,085.
"The Sabah Sewerage Services Department (JPPS) addresses sewerage issues by conducting periodic operations and maintenance works on sewerage assets as well as responding to complaints.
"For sewerage assets identified as critical, where there are recurring complaints requiring routine operations and maintenance, JPPS Sabah will plan and establish three-year and annual operations and maintenance contracts.
"Additionally, some critical sewerage assets have been included in the scope of work under the Local Authority Sewerage Scheme programme for 2024," he said at the state assembly sitting, adding that there are 23 projects aimed primarily at upgrading and repairing existing assets owned by local authorities (PBT).
He was responding to questions by Jannie Lasimbang (Kapayan-DAP) on the critical maintenance of sewerage and whether more money and staffing should be increased for that purpose.
Jannie also hoped that there would be more allocation for Kapayan from the RM52 million budget. This is to address the frequent flooding in Penampang.
Commenting on the JPPS staffing in Penampang, Limus said the department is aware of the increase in the number of complaints received in 2024 (117) compared to 57 in 2023.
"Proactive measures have been taken to improve the organisation at JPPS Penampang, including replacing the district sewerage works officer, J29 (PKPD) with a district engineer, J41 (JD).
"This is to enable JPPS Penampang to function more effectively and address each complaint promptly."