Kg Tinusa 2 resident Jefry Ambo highlighting their water shortage plight.
KOTA KINABALU: Facing Hari Raya Aidilfitri with dry taps was the straw that broke the camel's back for some 5,000 residents of Kg Tinusa 2 in the Sandakan suburbs.
Fed up with the water woes that have plagued them for years, the villagers gathered on Tuesday (April 25) to show the authorities that they want the problem resolved.
"This cannot go on. We need solutions, not promises," said villager Jefry Ambo.
Jefry and his fellow residents held up placards urging both the Sabah and federal governments to take prompt action.
"We have made suggestion after suggestion but nothing has been done," he said.
While the water authorities did give them notice of water cuts, Jefry said it should not be happening repeatedly.
"It became critical when there was no water during Raya," he added.
Village head Norsidi Lumby said the gathering was to bring the villagers' plight to the attention of the authorities.
It is learnt that some local leaders had tried to help but without much success.
Kg Tinusa 2 does not have a Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) in place, making it difficult for the residents to raise their issues with the authorities.
Ashmar Labadu, who has been living in the area for more than 20 years, said the water situation had worsened over the last five to six years.
"We should have been happily celebrating Hari Raya but that did not happen," he added.
The residents also said the authorities needed to improve the traffic system in the village as it was congested. There are about 2,000 houses there.
