The clean water shortage condition in Kudat, on the Northern tip of Sabah has always been an issue not only to the villagers but also a concern to BEST Society and The Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu. Based on a study, 23 million liter of water is needed every day for the whole Matunggong District. However the current daily supply of 15 million of clean water from the government is insufficient to cater to the whole district.

Beginning August 2010, BEST Society  launched a campaign to seek partnership from various non-profit organizations and corporate companies to help alleviate this problem.

In partnership with Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu and BEST Society, the “Living Water Project” was launched and two wells were built in Kampung Terongkongan Laut and Darat have finally completed. With the joint funding of more than RM50,000, two 100 feet wells were drilled complete with tower tank (4,000 gallons capacity) installations, poly piping channel to an electrical water pump which would benefit more than 80 households altogether.

On 27th February 2011, BEST Society represented by its Vice Chairman, Baton Bijamin and Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu held a ceremony at Terongkongan Darat Village to hand over the project. The Honorable Sarapin Bin Magana, the Assemblyman of the Matunggong District was on hand to grace the occasion.

YB Sarapin gracing the launching of ‘Living Water’

The electrical pump installed next to the well

3 water tanks with a capacity of 2000 gallons each were installed

Right after the launching, a health supplement distribution to the villagers, courtesy of the Rotary Club. Two Interact Clubs from Kota Kinabalu also held a reading session with the local children. The program ended with a graceful traditional Rungus dance performance. This joyous event was witnessed by over 200 people from the villagers of Terongkongan Laut and Darat as well as the volunteers from Borneo Eco Tours, Interact Clubs and Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu. The successful launching of the project is seen as a blessing for many villagers. Mr. Aling Mikod, a farmer was very impressed and grateful for the new facility.“Finally the shortage of clean water supply has come to an end”, he said. He also feels positive with the new development especially on social entrepreneurship and capacity development programs from Best Society.

In line with our local community development mission, the third “Living Water Project” at Kg.Kimihang, Kudat is already in the pipeline. BEST is hoping to raise a total of RM25,000.00 for this targeted project. The current to date funding contributed by Edith Cowan University (ECU), Western Australia amounting approximately RM2,775.60 and a sum of RM14,606.50 contributed by The Adventure Company, Hampshire, United Kingdom respectively summed up to RM17,382.10  leaving a total of RM7,617.90 in need by BEST to achieve an adequate funding for this “Living Water” project. BEST Society seeks financial contributions from international donors who are interested to participate in CSR programs to support this humanitarian program which would improve the living standard of the locals and help eradicate poverty.