SANDAKAN: Residents in Bandar Ramai-Ramai, Sandakan, have been grappling with persistent sewage system blockages, forcing many to illegally connect their household waste pipes directly to drainage systems, resulting in overflowing wastewater and unsanitary conditions.
Karamunting assemblyman Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin said the root of the problem lies in the decades-old sewage pipes that have not been upgraded for years, coupled with blocked drains that prevent proper wastewater flow.
“This is not just about residents making illegal connections. It reflects a larger issue of ageing infrastructure and poor maintenance that has gone unresolved for too long,” he said after inspecting the area with officials from the Sabah Sewerage Services Department today.
Hiew said he would work with the relevant authorities to assist residents in resolving these illegal connections and push for a comprehensive upgrade of the sewage system to meet the community’s needs.
“We cannot just blame the residents. The problem stems from the lack of proper maintenance and outdated systems that have reached their breaking point,” he said.
He also said the Sabah Sewerage Services Department would work to connect the sewage system directly to septic tanks to prevent direct discharge into drains.
“We need a permanent solution, not just temporary fixes. This requires the support and cooperation of the entire community,” he added.
