SPAN work, future plans ‘effectively stymied’ with removal of commissioners
ALL the commissioners of the National Water Commission received letters on April 19 backdating their termination as members of the commission to April 10.
Second, the commissioners were appointed, not on the basis of any political affiliation, but strictly for their established professional expertise, vast experience and knowledge in water services management and related technical, logistics, regulatory and legal matters. Commissions must remain apolitical at all times to serve the greater interest of the rakyat and the nation’s higher calling without fear or fervour or political interventions.
Fifth, the enforcement division was strengthened. Indeed the commission has approved several proposals to amend the relevant laws, scheduled for tabling at the next parliamentary sitting. Essentially to tighten the regulatory provisions relating to enforcement and review of tariff; both crucial to sustain the industry and control the perennial pollution of rivers and water bodies.
Many other examples abound of water disruptions in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur due to serious pollution of toxic wastes dumped in rivers with devastating consequences, as seen in the Sg Kim Kim, Johor episode. SPAN was touting stronger action against wilful and irresponsible water source contamination.
We must emphasise that access to good clean water is a fundamental human right that affects life itself and is hence protected by the right to life provision of the federal constitution. As the World Bank noted in its recent report, deteriorating water quality reduces a country’s GDP growth. On no account should SPAN be the nesting ground for political appointees. This will undermine its independent status and its role to provide the necessary checks and balances to safeguard the sustainability, quality and security of our country’s precious water supply in the long term.
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