Tawau dumpsite too close to homes, river – SAPP div chief

TAWAU: The Merotai divisional chairman of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Kenneth Goh, expressed worry over the location of the dumpsite which is near to the residential areas and the Tawau River, which has been the source of water for the population.

According to Goh, five kilometres from the old Tawau airport the stench emanating from the dumpsite could be smelled.

"You don't have to visit the dumpsite. The stench in the air tells it all," he said.

The initial area of 8.3 acres for the dumpsite was acquired. Later, the Government acquired an additional 65 acres to enlarge the existing dumpsite area.

"It was already bad enough as it was. Now it has become a major threat to the environment and to the health of the residents," Goh said. Within a five kilometre radius of the dumping site are housing estates like Taman Wawasan, Taman Ria, Taman Semarak discounting Kampung Gemok Hill, Kampung Sin San, Kampung Sungai Imam and other individual house owners.

All are effected, one way or the other, he said.

He added, "like adding salt to the wound, the dumpsite shares the same access route to Tawau's nearest forest reserve which boasts of a canopy walk from where locals and visitors alike can have a view of the town."

"This dumpsite is the only one of its kind which is located near to the town.

"The Timatch water treatment plant sources its water from the same area. Toxic materials like lead, mercury could seep through the river and contaminate the water. This is a health hazard to the consumers.

"Besides that, sludge and toxic water from the waste seep into the ground and enter nearby streams endangering marine life.

"There is a small stream leading to Sungai Imam and located towards the river mouth is a branch of the Fisheries Department. Ten years ago they experimented with mussels cultivation.

"Because the water is so contaminated, the project was moved elsewhere," Goh said.

"We have the right to know what is being done to this problem," he said.

The Borneo Post

Saturday, October 1, 2011

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