AN HONEST & SERIOUS LOOK AT A SHORT TERM MORATORIUM (768 development projects deferred over water supply) Perhaps it is high time to consider a serious look at putting into effect a short term (3-5 years) moratorium on new, high density development. It is extremely telling and worrying to know that the states water resources can no longer handle the load placed on it and alternative sources for supply are desperately sought out to satisfy demand. Certainly does not help as well if one should wonder if the state has water reserves (i.e. ground water that have been identified and protected) for emergency situations should the state ever face one. To make matters worse, the cost of purchasing and transferring water from neighbouring states would be shifted to end users through higher tariff rates amid already rising cost of living, further burdening the rakyat. A short term moratorium would provide breathing space for stock taking such as utilities and infrastructural audits to gauge if current utilities and infrastructure are well maintained as well as sufficient and to plan for upgrades and expansion to cope with the demands and strains caused by rapid development. It also allows for sustainable development measures to be looked at, adapted and put in place for urban renewal projects of old developments and to ensure socio-economic and environmental harmony with new developments. Water is the most essential element of life. Development on the other hand is not and therefore, should take a back seat every now and then.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 11:35:18 +0000
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