PENAMPANG: The Kapayan constituency here would embark on a rainwater harvesting project next year for conservation purposes and to reduce dependency on treated water in the long run.
According to Kapayan assemblyman Janie Lasimbang, most premises in the district are suitable to implement the water-saving method.
“Most houses in Penampang have gutters that can channel rainwater down to the drain. In fact, the gutter could be connected to the tank to collect clean water.
“The water collected can be used for day-to-day activities like washing the car or porch, instead of using treated water,” she told the New Straits Times.
Janie, who is also the state Assistant Laws and Native Affairs minister said the move would also help households reduce water bills.
She said the average Malaysian uses between 220 and 240 litres of water a day, which is 33 per cent more than the 150 litres recommended by the United Nations.
“In Sabah, the tariff for treated water is considered still affordable at RM1.30 per cubic metre.
“But, it is inevitable that the cost would go up in the future. Harvesting rainwater is a smart way to save money on water bills
Besides the water harvesting project, Janie said the constituency has also embarked on waste-segregation practices.
“Related to that, we are looking at proposing a waste management by-law that will contribute towards a better and cleaner environment.”