KUALA NERANG: This year, Rabonah Hasim is able to smile as she counts the days to Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
For the past 20 years, water supply interruption has been a problem at Felda Bukit Tembaga during the festive season and school holidays.
However, since the RM68 million Pokok Sena water treatment plant was completed in November last year, residents have been enjoying uninterrupted water supply daily.
Developed by the Federal Government on a 2.2ha site, the plant can treat 30 million litres of water per day.
Rabonah, 54, is one of the 63,000 residents in Pokok Sena district, north of Pendang and south of Padang Terap, who are now enjoying the results of the state government's initiative to solve water supply problems with the help of the Federal Government.
"In the past, sometimes there would be no water for an entire day. So, we had to use water barrels to collect water for bathing, washing and so on.
"Since the plant was completed, I no longer have to collect water. I want to thank the government which has shown that it is concerned about the people's problems.
"I'm looking forward to celebrating Hari Raya with my grandchildren in much better conditions this year," she said today.
Jahara Bahari, a 59-year-old resident, said she had been relying partly on well water for her daily needs for 20 years.
"A Sada (Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd) lorry used to deliver water to us but, because my aunt did not have a large barrel, it was difficult to collect enough water. So, we had to rely on well water as well. But, now, Alhamdulillah, our prayers have been heard," she said.
Hussein Ismail, 70, who has lived at Felda Bukit Tembaga since childhood said "Now, life much better with a consistent water supply, thanks again to the government that helps the people," he said.