Searching for suitable water sources for portable water supply schemes often takes us deep into forested catchment areas. These treks are not always easy - steep terrain, dense vegetation, and unpredictable weather can make the journey physically demanding and logistically challenging. Yet, every so often, the hard work pays off, not just in terms of technical findings, but also in the breathtaking views and untouched natural beauty we encounter along the way.
Our most recent excursion brought us to Kiulu, where we set out to assess a small river upstream of the Tuaran River as a potential intake site. Although we attempted to access the area via an alternative route, the effort proved unsuccessful due to difficult terrain and unclear trails. Nonetheless, the journey was far from disappointing. The scenery along the way was simply spectacular - rolling hills, cascading waters, and panoramic views that made the entire trip worthwhile.
However, tapping into rivers in this part of Sabah comes with its own set of challenges. The river system in Kiulu is well-known for two things: white water rafting and the Tagal System. The Tagal System is a traditional community-based river management practice whereby fishing is strictly prohibited in designated zones, except during specific times of the year. These zones are managed by individual villages or kampung, with each section of the river falling under the stewardship of local communities. Fishing is typically permitted during the dry season, usually between February and April (Read here).
This sustainable system ensures the preservation of fish populations and river health, but it also means that any water extraction efforts must take into account the social and ecological frameworks in place. As such, any plans to draw water from the Kiulu river system will require close collaboration with local stakeholders and careful consideration of both environmental and cultural factors.
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While in Kiulu, we took the opportunity to visit my maternal uncle, Wesley Dungko Pai, whose house is nestled right beside the Tuaran River. It was a meaningful stop, as we hadn’t seen him since our last visit in February 2013 (
Read here).
We were fortunate to catch him at home - just in time before he was due to leave for Kota Kinabalu to attend a birthday celebration organized by his children later that evening. Coincidentally, it was his birthday that very day - 9 November 2016 - and he had just turned 79.
Uncle Wesley has always been supportive and open-minded when it comes to community development. He expressed a receptive attitude toward the idea of the government abstracting water from the river system for a public water supply scheme. His perspective, grounded in both local knowledge and community experience, adds valuable insight as we consider the viability and acceptance of such projects in the area.
