KUALA LUMPUR – Eleven out of 34 Sewerage Services Department (JPP) projects have been delayed, costing the government RM4.685 billion in overruns, according to the Auditor-General’s (A-G) Report 2/2024 released today.
The 11 projects that were supposed to be implemented between 2016 and 2023 are in Pahang (2), Perak (2), Penang (2), Kedah (1), and Sabah (4).
In a reply to the A-G, JPP attributed the delays to government directives issued during the various movement control orders (MCO), which halted the pipeline installations, and delayed supply of construction materials.
JPP added that of the seven delayed projects, two are adhering to the work schedule, while five others are still lagging behind.
“A sewerage plant in Indera Mahkota, Pahang, is not fully completed while another in Papan, Perak, is unfinished. The project in Kota Setar, Kedah, and two others in Bayan Baru, Penang, involving the construction of a sewerage plant and pipes, are behind schedule.
“Eight projects that have not started while the four projects in Sabah are on schedule,” according to JPP.
In addition, physical checks by the National Audit Department found that maintenance was shoddy at four private and public sewerage treatment plants in Kedah, Perlis, Sabah and Kelantan.
In response to the findings, the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) said two notices were issued to two private treatment plants in Kelantan to improve their maintenance work.
Meanwhile, the plant in Arau, Perlis failed to maintain its system components and equipment regularly.
As for the plants in Sabah, the Kota Kinabalu City Hall said cleaning and repair work are carried out in stages subject to budget approval.
In conclusion, the A-G has recommended for private sewerage treatment plant owners to improve the maintenance of their systems to prevent pollution from untreated wastewater. – July 4, 2024