He said since being elected in November 2022, his focus has been on finding practical and sustainable solutions to the chronic water issues that have affected residents in parts of Papar, where water rationing has become a frequent occurrence.
The GRS deputy secretary-general said two key projects in Papar have already been approved and are now in progress – the upgrade of the Kogopon water treatment plant (Phase 2) from 40 million litres per day (MLD) to 80 MLD, and the upgrade of the Kg Kabang intake point from nine MLD to 30 MLD.
“GRS and I do not have a magic wand to solve these issues overnight, but our commitment is clear – to ensure that projects are carried out according to schedule and completed as planned,” he said in a statement.
Armizan criticised Warisan for failing to complete the Kogopon Phase 2 project on time despite being in power from May 2018 to August 2020. He said the project, which was supposed to be completed in 2022, was delayed because the Warisan state government had failed to ensure its progress according to schedule.
“When the project was delayed under the 11th Malaysia Plan, it had to be reviewed under the 12th Malaysia Plan due to rising costs.
“The state government could not proceed with procurement until the notice of change (NOC) on project costs was finalised by the federal government,” he said.
Armizan questioned why Warisan’s MP for Papar at the time did not take steps to expedite the NOC process, especially when the Warisan-led state government had already failed to ensure the project’s timely completion.
He said since January 2023, he and GRS state assemblymen Gulam Haidar Khan Bahadar (Kawang) and Juil Nuatim (Limbahau) – had been working closely with caretaker chief minister Hajiji Noor to resolve the matter and get the projects started.
“Thank God, we have succeeded in securing the necessary funding and starting work on both projects. This is the result of consistent cooperation and leadership under the GRS government,” he said.
Armizan said Warisan leaders should stop politicising the water issue and take responsibility for their own shortcomings in the past.
“They keep pointing fingers at others, but their own record speaks for itself. During their time in power, they failed to deliver on their promises and neglected essential projects due to political vengeance, which ultimately burdened the people,” he said.
He urged voters to continue supporting GRS, saying the coalition is focused on long-term development and addressing the people’s needs.
Sabah goes to the polls on Nov 29, with nomination day set for Nov 15, and early voting on Nov 25.