KINBIZ The main players in Selangor’s water restructuring drama – the state, federal government and private concessionaires – are delicately poised.

Despite some promising signs of rapprochement for the greater good, the public is increasingly agitated by the conflicting signals sent out by main players, causing confusion rather than assurance.

Water rationing. Dry spells. Critical water levels at dams. Uncertain solutions. All these factors have combined to exact untold economic and psychological tolls on Klang Valley residents in the past few months.

Earlier this year, both federal and state governments hailed an apparent breakthrough by signing a MoU (memorandum of agreement) after years of gridlock.

Recently, the cabinet has approved the invoking of Section 114 of WSIA (Water Services Industry Act 2006) for a forced federal takeover after negotiations with the concessionaires stalled for the umpteenth time.

Now, a solution seems finally in sight. It’s only a matter of time before WSIA is implemented. The Langat 2 water treatment plant, said to be the answer to all of Selangor’s water problems, is finally taking off.

Or is it all too good to be true?

Will Selangor’s water restructuring drama have more unwanted twists and turns?

Here are the main players that could decide the fate of Selangor’s water supply:

Khalid Ibrahim – the embattled MB

The Selangor Menteri Besar (MB) has endured a torrid few months since signing the water MoU with the federal government earlier this year.

First, he had to stave off criticisms from his own party leaders for cutting a deal with the federal government unilaterally and surrendering Langat 2. Then he had to face the wrath of an irate public deprived of regular water supply.

The Selangor Menteri Besar (MB) set the wheels in motion with the contentious MoU to facilitate a takeover of concessionaires and approve the long delayed Langat 2 water treatment plant.

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