TAWAU: The persistent water supply issues affecting residents of Tawau are expected to be resolved by the end of 2027, as the RM450.5 million Tawau Water Supply Scheme Phase III project continues to advance on schedule.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor confirmed that construction of the Tawau Water Dam—key to supplying raw water to the Cinta Mata 1 and 2 Water Treatment Plants (WTPs)—is progressing well, with physical work already ahead of the initial timeline.
Although the contractor has requested an extension, the state government remains confident the project will finish before the end of next year.
“The progress we’re seeing is very encouraging, and the project remains on track. Most importantly, completion is expected before the end of 2027,” he said following a site visit to the Tawau Water Dam and Cinta Mata WTP.
Hajiji noted that while the water crisis was a legacy issue from the previous administration, the current government is committed to funding solutions for the benefit of the public.
He added that further financial support could be considered if assessments by the Sabah State Water Department (JANS) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) indicate it is needed.
According to a JANS update, the dam project reached 74.04 percent physical completion by July 25, slightly exceeding the targeted 73.89 percent.
Upon completion, the dam will provide raw water to the Cinta Mata 1, Cinta Mata 2, and Northern WTPs, collectively capable of producing up to 161 million liters of treated water per day.
