Shahelmey, who is also Sabah works minister, said the final piping work for the project is expected to be done by the end of this month, after which additional clean water from the plant can be supplied.

He said UMS needs a water supply of 2.98 million litres per day, but that the Sabah water department could only supply 2.7 million litres per day, giving rise to the university’s water disruptions.

“All efforts are being made to ensure that (pipeline) works will be completed by the end of this month, thus solving the urgent issue of water supply (disruptions),” he said in a statement.

“Another challenge being faced is water theft as well as vandalism of the pipe network and system, which also contribute to the problem.”

Regarding the RM3 million allocation to UMS announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim last year, he said the allocation was given directly to the university.

Yesterday, Anwar said he wanted the relevant parties to submit a thorough report on the ongoing water supply woes at UMS, as the government had approved a RM3 million allocation last year to overcome the problem.