Water Wars: The current power struggle between the federal and Selangor state government sees both parties battling over control of the state’s water assets.
SELANGOR, 7th October 2010 – Conflict between federal and state administration over water assets in Selangor has turned into a one politicised one.
Former Secretary-General for Water and Energy Consumer Association of Malaysia (WECAM), Piarapakaran Subramaniam says the issue is preventing plans for a huge pipe replacement project, restructuring work and adjusting tariffs.
Such plans are vital in reducing the state’s non-revenue water (NRW) rate which currently stands at 30%, much higher than the recommended 15%.
The Selangor state government argues that the problem of water shortage is due to the privatisation of the state’s water assets to four different companies, creating an inefficient and fragmented industry.
On the other hand, the federal government believes the solution to Selangor’s water crisis lies in building the Kelau dam which will supply water from Pahang to Selangor, a plan which Selangor is also against.
Charles Santiago, Member of Parliament for Klang
“The reason why the project has to go on for the Barisan Government is because a lot of UMNO contractors are involved,” says Charles Santiago, a Member of Parliament for Klang.
Speaking in his capacity as a water activist, Santiago points out that besides cooperation between both parties necessary, educating society on the proper usage of clean water is also essential.
‘‘The government has a role and we in our homes and our households also have a role to reduce the use of water.’’
Where Political Correctness Comes to Die. 