THE problem of high Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in most States highlights the questions of whether the relevant authorities are doing their best to solve the problem.
Last year, NRW was high in several States such as Kelantan (52.4 per cent), Pahang (55.3 per cent) and Sabah (more than 57 per cent). An example of high NRW would be having 1,000 gallons of clean water with only 500 gallons available for consumers' use as half of it is being lost through broken pipes.
From a financial point of view, millions of the people's hard earned money is lost, which could be salvaged if the dilapidated piping systems were changed.
I discovered hundreds of kilometres of asbestos pipes were still being utilised in most States without any plans to change it.
Just think – those pipes are more than 30 or 40 years old, some were even installed before our Independence.
This is appalling as many health experts will attest old asbestos pipes are a health hazard that could spread harmful diseases.
I would like to recommend the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry prioritise substituting dilapidated and rusty pipes with new ones instead of starting new projects such as the interstate piping system, which will cost a lot to build.
It is only right the people's money be used to finance the substitution of old pipes.
Many water experts estimate a water crisis will occur in 2014 so we should not make matters worse by not addressing the problems of broken pipes, water theft and leaking pipes, which contribute to high NRW.
The situation is worsened by consumers who waste water.
The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and the ministry must take note of the crucial status of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor.
The 6,000 kilometres of old pipes in these areas are in dire need of substitution before the dilapidated systems impedes the socio-economic activities in these areas, which then will jeopardise the image of our nation.
The authorities must be reminded they have an obligation to find a concrete, efficient and immediate solution to the NRW issue.
Zulkifli Mohamad
Deputy Chairman
Global Economic Foundation
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