Access to clean water in each state is a basic human right.
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In the residential area I currently live in, Gurun is a small town located at the heart of Kedah. We have been facing persistent water supply issues since I was born here. However, this year has been particularly severe, with the longest water supply cut-off period lasting for 2 months and 6 days. Despite numerous reports and complaints from the local people, the government authorities have been slow to respond.
The impact of this water crisis has been profound, affecting both our physical well-being and mental health. Water is an essential resource for our daily lives, and its scarcity has taken a toll on the entire neighbourhood. Many of us, including my neighbours, have experienced disrupted sleep patterns, waking up multiple times at midnight to check for any signs of water. The stress and inconvenience has also led to mental distress.
To cope with the situation, we’ve had to purchase large containers to store water, supplied by the bomba. SADA (water utility company) contractor lorries also provide water, but they are limited, and we have to wait for their turn to come. The government agency responsible for water supply has been unresponsive to our complaints, leaving us in a state of uncertainty and frustration.
As a result, many of us have had to eat outside as cooking and cleaning have become extremely challenging without sufficient water. Basic tasks like taking a bath or doing laundry have become time-consuming and arduous due to the need to fetch and carry water. Even drinking water has to be bought from outside sources.
This year’s water crisis started on March 10, and lasted for an unexpectedly long period of 2 months and 6 days. The lack of precise information on the duration of the water cuts has only added to our anxiety and uncertainty.
The situation has reached a critical point, and we urgently need government authorities to address this issue seriously. Access to a reliable water supply is a basic human right, and the prolonged deprivation has significantly affected our quality of life. We hope that our voices will be heard, and appropriate actions will be taken to ensure a more sustainable and reliable water supply for our community.
Our actions to elect state representatives who care about environmental issues and human rights play an important role in amplifying our voices.
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