Water, Land, and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar says Charles Santiagois expected to coordinate services in the sector and drive the consolidation among water industry players nationwide. — Picture by Azinuddin Ghazali

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 — Klang MP Charles Santiago was appointed as the chairman of the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) effective today, according to the Water, Land, and Natural Resources Ministry.

Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar said Charles will now be expected to coordinate services in the sector and drive the consolidation among water industry players nationwide.

“I would like to congratulate Charles on the appointment, he has a lot of work ahead of him.

“We look forward to more professionalism and working together with SPAN as the ministry is now undertaking the consolidation of the water industry,” he said.

Xavier also said the Selangor water management model will most likely be a point of reference for the ministry when drafting a federal water management model.

He said that with the appointment of Charles, the commission’s board would be able to start work in sorting our their consolidation efforts.

Xavier added that SPAN were also working on achieving their latest targets which is to raise public awareness of water conservation and to take steps in becoming a more regulatory commission.

“One of the main areas is educating the public about water use, which should start from young.

“We are also looking at rain water and storm harvesting as ways to boost water conservation efforts,” he said.

The newly appointed Charles added he was honoured for the trust given to him, and that work needs to begin immediately.

“I look forward to bringing forward changes; and I have a lot of work over the next two years.

“I would also like to thank the ministry and prime minister for approving my appointment,” he added.