Water plans not viable - water rationing inevitable |
I refer to The Star's reports, "Raw water transfer project on" (Nov 15) and "Water relief for seven million consumers" (Nov 27). The water authorities have finally realized that due to the undue delay in implementing the Pahang/Selangor interstate raw water transfer project, Selangor, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya would face water shortages from year 2009. To overcome the impending water supply shortfalls, the authorities have announced some measures to deal with them. First, on 15 November, Energy, Water and Communications Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik proposed some mitigating solutions. They were: reducing NRW by replacing old pipes, increase tariffs to encourage water conservation and looking for alternate water sources like underground water. Then, on 27 Nov, the Selangor's State Infrastructure and Public Utiliy Committee Chairman, Datuk Abdul Fatah Iskander announced the implementation of three raw water pumping schemes to increase raw water intakes at a number of water treatment plants. But are all the above measures effective in resolving the expected water shortages in the coming years? Let's take a closer look. • NRW reduction • Increase water tariffs • Develop groundwater sources In conclusion, all the above proposals are no solutions to the impending water shortages in the Klang Valley. So brace ourselves for a long period of water rationing and dry tapes in the near future. Note: |
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