Improving Water Access Through Gravity-Fed Systems in Rural Sabah

Update 43

Would you travel more than 30 minutes just to collect water, or carry piles of heavy clothing to the river to wash them?

For over 200 villagers in Kampung Kimondodupil Komburongon, Pinolobuh, this is part of their daily life.

With no access to public water supply and inconsistent water at home, many families still rely on the river for washing and everyday needs.

But the river isn’t always safe. Water can be contaminated, carrying bacteria that may harm their health.

The village currently depends on a single 1,000-gallon water tank, but damaged pipelines limit how much water actually reaches each household.

Because of this, water shortages are a constant struggle.

During rainy seasons, families collect rainwater to cope.

But when dry periods come, even that option disappears, making it even harder to meet basic daily needs.

This is a daily reality for many rural families in Sabah, not only in their village, but across countless rural communities throughout the state.

Update 42

This is what joy looks like for rural families the moment clean water finally reaches their village after years of uncertainty.

No more collecting water from unsafe streams.

No more carrying heavy containers up steep hills.

No more choosing between daily needs and personal safety.

With clean water flowing reliably, things that were once exhausting and time-consuming become simpler, safer, and more consistent.

But what makes this even more meaningful is how it works.

These gravity-fed water systems don’t rely on petrol or electricity. Water flows naturally from the source down to the village with no pumps or fuel needed. So even as fuel prices rise or global uncertainties affect supply, these communities remain unaffected.

Because sustainability isn’t just about the environment, it’s about building solutions that last, no matter the circumstances.

The smiles you see aren’t just happiness. They are the comfort of knowing their families are finally safe for the long run!💧

Update 41

For over 20 years, Encik Petrus and his community in Kampung Melangkap Baru Datau Darat have relied on an old, leaking gravity-fed water system.

What once flowed freely now comes out slowly, forcing families to save and ration every drop. And yet, the community continues to adapt and carry on.

Now, we’re currently working to rebuild a water system that lasts, so every family can have reliable access to clean water, every day💧

Update 40

From having nothing… to feeding 13 family members without buying a single vegetable.

This is the story of Puan Rita from Kampung Melangkap Piso.

“I couldn’t keep a farm going before because we didn’t have enough water. But ever since our village received the newly repaired gravity water system, everything has changed.”

“Now, with clean water, I can finally grow and care for my vegetables properly. I’ve even expanded to 10 raised beds.”

With a reliable water source, Puan Rita can now grow her own food consistently. As a grandmother, mother, and wife, she no longer has to worry about putting healthy meals on the table.

Instead of spending on vegetables, she now provides fresh, homegrown food for all 13 members of her family every day.

Because when water flows, everything else begins to grow💧

Update 39

From struggling with water issues for over a decade to now having thriving farms, that’s the story of Kampung Bukit Bendera. Just look at how it looked before, and even way before we started the water project! 💧

With a newly repaired gravity water system (visible behind the farm), 270 villagers can now access clean water directly at their homes and use it to grow their own vegetables, boosting food security, self-reliance and overall health.

This outcome was achieved through the dedication and efforts of the rural community members 💪

This is exactly what our programme is all about: not just meeting immediate needs, but empowering communities to thrive on their own - lasting empowerment, lasting benefits!

Update 38

There’s a saying that goes, “teamwork makes the dream work”, and by watching this video of villagers from Kampung Kolubaan Pinoloboh, you can see exactly why💪

Step by step, they push and manage to get up the hill bringing the heavy tank just to help their community access to clean water. Alone, it would be impossible, but together, they make it happen!

Update 37

During a gravity water project in one of the villages, we saw this villager happily volunteering to help carry pipes uphill.

Just like in the image, he worked under the sun with a smile on his face, despite the heavy load 💪

In Kampung, this is what Community truly means ✨

When something needs fixing, everyone steps in (not just a few people) so every household can have access to clean water. This shared effort is what helps communities maintain their systems long-term and move forward together.

It’s not about big words or grand gestures — just people helping people, so no family is left without clean water!

Update 36

Over 400 villagers in Kampung Lingkubang have been living with a failing water system for more than a decade.

When our team visited the village for a site assessment, we saw the challenges firsthand.

Leaking pipes run throughout the village.

A damaged cement water tank that struggles to hold water.

And with no access to public water supply, this is all they have.

For years, families have had to adjust their daily lives around an unreliable and limited water source.

Now, we’re working to change that by replacing damaged pipelines, restoring the concrete water tank, and introducing a centralised water storage system to help restore a stable and reliable water supply for the entire community.

Update 35

Meet Laizan, a farmer from Kg. Bayayat who relies on his crops to support his family.

Before his community had a reliable gravity water system, Laizan had to walk long distances to collect water and depend heavily on rain.

During droughts, water shortages directly affected his crops and livelihood. For more than 10 years, he and his community struggled with an unreliable water supply, making daily life and farming incredibly challenging.

Today, with the upgraded gravity water system in place, Laizan can focus on his farm without the constant worry of water shortages.

Access to clean, reliable water has eased his daily work and allowed his family to live more comfortably and with greater peace of mind.

Update 34

For over 5 years, more than 250 villagers in Kampung Lahanas Siba, Kota Belud have relied on a fragile gravity water system with old PVC pipes held together with duct tape that barely provides enough water.

The 1-inch pipe is simply too small to support the community’s growing population, causing frequent shortages and weak water flow.

We’re ready to help them replace these fragile pipes with durable poly pipes and repair the supporting system. But we can’t do it alone — we need your support!

More than infrastructure, when villagers actively participate in the project, they also gain the skills and knowledge to maintain the system long-term, ensuring safe, sustainable water access for years to come.

Update 33

For Harry Roy, something as simple as turning on the tap now feels like a true blessing!

After years of struggling with limited and unreliable water, his village (Kampung Bayayat) finally has enough clean water for everyone. Families no longer run out of water, farmers can take better care of their crops, and the community can plan for the future with greater confidence!

Update 32

Over 500 people in Kampung Kiau Bersatu face water shortages every dry season. Just a single week without rain can leave homes without water, forcing families to either buy expensive water from town or walk long distances to the river.

We’re on the ground with the community — listening, learning, and understanding their challenges—so together, we can build a water system that truly lasts.

This isn’t just about access to clean water. It’s about dignity, health, and giving families a future where they no longer have to live in survival mode.

Update 31

When you really want something, you’ll find a way, no shortcuts or no excuses.

That's exactly what these women showed us!

There’s no road access to their project site nor trucks to help carry materials. But when their village needed to build a clean water system, they didn’t wait around. They carried what they could, bit by bit, together with other villagers.

This is what real women empowerment looks like. It’s not about fancy titles or recognition. It's about stepping up and getting things done — for their community, family, and their future. Even when it’s hard.

When you really want to make life better, you don’t wait for help — you’ll make it happen!

Update 30

Just look at that water flow, straight from the pipes in Kg Bayayat after the first phase of their gravity water project! (continuation from Update 24)

100% raw, no filters, no edits—this is the result of teamwork, dedication, and a community coming together for a better tomorrow.

For years, families in Kg Bayayat faced daily struggles with weak water flow and unreliable systems, making basic needs like cooking, cleaning, and farming a constant challenge.

But look at them now—with your incredible support, clean water is finally flowing strong!

This is only the beginning! The project isn’t fully completed yet, but we’re already seeing these incredible results.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to transforming Kg Bayayat’s water supply entirely!

This isn’t just water—it’s health, freedom, and hope for these families!

Update 29

We have been deep into the execution of Kampung Bukit Bendera’s gravity water project, focused on getting things done, but that’s when something caught our eyes! 👀

Among the crowd of villagers hard at work, there she was a granny, small in stature but mighty in spirit, carrying pipes and lending a hand like it was the most natural thing to do.

Despite her age, she showed up, ready to help. It wasn’t just about the physical work—it was the message she brought with her actions. To her, this wasn’t just a project; it was her community, her family, her future!

Moments like this are why we love working in rural villages. The spirit, the heart, and the unwavering determination to come together for a shared purpose—it’s a rare sight these days, but in places like Kampung Bukit Bendera, it’s alive and thriving.

Update 28

Remember Kampung Bukit Bendera’s water struggles? (mentioned back in Update 25)

After years of relying on unsafe or distant water sources, the villagers have finally taken their first big step toward solving their clean water challenges.

From carrying HDPE pipes through rugged terrain to connecting each section of their new water system, the entire community came together with one shared goal — to make clean water a daily reality.

This project shows what’s possible when communities take the lead in building their own sustainable solutions. It’s not a temporary fix — it’s a long-term change that empowers families to live healthier, more secure lives without worrying about where their next drop of water will come from.

Kampung Bukit Bendera’s journey is just beginning, but it marks an inspiring milestone toward a future where every Sabahan family can enjoy the dignity and opportunity that comes with access to clean, reliable water.

Update 27

You’ve probably seen us talk about gravity water systems — but what exactly are they?

They’re not high-tech inventions. In fact, they don’t need electricity or solar power at all. The system simply uses gravity to carry clean spring water from uphill sources down to the villages below.

In many rural areas of Sabah, where treated water supply doesn’t reach, this simple yet powerful system is a lifeline. Families depend on it for drinking, cooking, and daily chores.

But over time, old pipes leak, tanks break, and dry seasons take their toll — leaving taps empty and communities struggling once again.

That’s why community-led water projects are so important. They help repair, strengthen, and maintain these systems — ensuring that clean, reliable water continues to flow for the families who need it most.

Update 26

“Imagine struggling just to feed yourself… then one day, you step outside your home and pick fresh vegetables from your own garden.” That’s how Sebitin describes life today.

Before this, his village faced daily challenges just to access clean water. Families had to walk to the river or travel long distances on rough roads to buy bottled water, a heavy burden for those already living on tight budgets. Every ringgit counted, and much of it went just to ensure their children had safe drinking water.

But everything changed when a gravity water system was installed in their village. Now, clean, reliable water flows straight into their homes — no more long walks, no more risky journeys.

With easy access to water, families like Sebitin’s began planting their own vegetables, saving both time and money.

Today, Sebitin no longer needs to buy water or food from the market. He grows what he eats, and the savings go toward emergencies, his children’s education, and building a better future.

Sebitin’s story is just one of many — a reminder that clean water doesn’t just quench thirst; it uplifts entire communities and helps families move one step closer to breaking the cycle of poverty!

Update 25

When you have to fight for water every day… you’ll start to wonder if it’ll ever get easier.

That’s the daily reality for 270 villagers in Kampung Bukit Bendera.

Their gravity water system is old and breaking down:

🚫 Worn-out pipes

🚫 Weak water flow

🚫 Storage tanks that just can’t keep up

Efandi inspects worn-out water pipes disrupting the community’s access to clean water.

Old PVC pipelines constantly leak, disrupting the community’s daily water supply.

Burst PVC water pipe overflowing in rural village, causing major water disruption.

And this isn’t just an inconvenience, it affects everything: from cooking, cleaning, farming, and even caring for their kids.

Access to clean water is a basic human need, but without it, families are stuck, unable to move forward or escape poverty. Water should flow effortlessly from the tap, not be a daily battle.

Broken infrastructures like this are a major roadblock to progress, perpetuating the cycle of generational poverty.

Update 24

For years, PVC pipes were the standard for many rural villages’ water systems. But over time, their reliability faded—cracks, leaks, and burst pipes became a frustrating part of daily life. Families faced constant repairs, wasted water, and no lasting solutions. Eventually, these broken pipes could no longer deliver water to the end taps.

When we started implementing gravity water projects, we recommended HDPE pipes instead.

Unlike PVC, HDPE pipes are strong, durable, and weather-resistant. Designed to withstand Sabah’s rural environment, they provide a reliable, long-lasting water supply for generations to come.

Just look at the incredible people of Kampung Bayayat, working together to carry and connect these pipelines for their gravity water project! 💧

Update 23

Imagine going from daily water struggles to having a steady supply of clean water!

That’s exactly what happened in Kampung Tinata Ulu, and it’s nothing short of life-changing!!

Update 22

Imagine carrying a 25kg cement bag or heavy sandbags—walking 1 to 2 kilometers through steep, slippery jungle trails, all while battling thorny bushes and sweat pouring down your back.

Would you do it?

For the villagers, this isn’t a choice, but a NECESSITY.

Their water catchments are located deep in the jungle, unreachable by cars or motorbikes. The only way in? carrying the materials themselves, one trip at a time. But for them, it’s not about the hardship.

It’s about HOPE

HOPE for their children to grow up with clean water at their doorstep

HOPE for a healthier life

HOPE for a community that no longer has to fight for water

Because when there’s no other choice, determination becomes their greatest strength.

This is what keeps the community moving forward—fighting for a better tomorrow, no matter how tough the journey gets.

Update 21

Great news! More new centralized water tanks have arrived at Kampung Pinamo and Morugion Tuguson! 🤩

To better fulfil the communities’ clean water needs, more HDPE tanks are installed to store clean water, allowing families to feel unburdened, especially during the dry seasons.

This means these communities are one step closer to having steady, clean water they can count on every day. It’s amazing to see progress like this, we’re so grateful to keep bringing positive change, one tank at a time through our gravity water programme.

Update 20

Right now, 500 people in Kampung Melangkap Baru are struggling without clean water 🚱

With the village's population growing, the limited water supply is stretched to its breaking point.

And with no functioning tanks, families are left to struggle on their own, searching for ways to survive.

Each day, they must make long, exhausting trips to the river to fetch buckets of water—water that is often unclean and unsafe. This takes a toll on their health, hygiene, and overall well-being. Drinking, cooking, and even basic hygiene become daily battles.

The burden is overwhelming and touches every member of the family. Time that could be spent working, learning, or resting is consumed by the endless search for water.

This harsh reality is not unique to Kampung Melangkap Baru. Across rural Kota Belud, countless communities face similar struggles, caught in the cycle of water scarcity and its devastating effects.

No one should have to live like this. Clean water is not a luxury—it’s a basic human need.

Update 19

Living a day without water is like a nightmare for most of us, but can you imagine 40 years without clean water?!

Since the 1980s, Muin and his village in Kampung Bukid had no choice but to rely on a distant river for their daily needs, like cooking or washing. With no access to the public water system and a growing population to almost 400 people, their struggle only got worse.

When we first visited Muin's village, the river they proposed for their new water system was too shallow, offering little hope. But Muin refused to give up.

After days of searching, they finally found it—a river, far but strong, deep enough to last even through droughts. "It was tough, but when we finally found the right source, I felt so relieved. Not just for myself, but for my whole community and the generations to come." – Muin.

Then, Muin and his village came together to build their gravity water system, and a few months later…check the video to find out!👇

Update 18

To us, a bucket is just something we use at home 🪣🏠. But to the rural villagers, it’s a lifeline.

For most rural villagers, especially the older generations, proper bags are a luxury they can’t simply afford. The cost of traveling just to buy one is simply too high.

So, they get creative with what they have at home. Like Puan Emma for example—she repurposed an old bucket as her “bag” to carry materials for her community’s gravity water project 💧

Rocks, sand, even her own belongings—she carried it all, trekking through muddy trails, determined to help lay the foundation for a better water system in her village.

While a bag is something we take for granted in the city, in the village, it’s the drive to make things happen that counts.

She’s not just carrying a bucket—she’s carrying HOPE.

HOPE for clean water, for her family, and for her community👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

When resources are limited, determination becomes everything💪

Update 17

Tuguson’s Water Tank Is Filled Up & Even Overflowing — FINALLY! 💧🎉

It only took only 16 minutes to fill up the water tank. But the road to get here? That took weeks of grit, teamwork, and determination.

For weeks, villagers climb steep jungle trails, carried heavy pipes on their shoulders, and laid them inch by inch — all by hand.

Every hike. Every drop of sweat. All for this moment.

This overflowing tank is more than just full — it’s a victory. A quiet, powerful sign that clean water has finally reached their homes.

Captured by the villagers themselves — a moment of pride, resilience, and the power of community!

Update 16

Look at these real-life Supermans from Kampung Tuguson in action — carrying a massive water tank deep into the jungle, all the way to their gravity water catchment site. 💪

🚫 No fancy tech.

🚫 No transport.

✅Just bamboo sticks, four pairs of strong hands, and the will to bring water home.

They didn’t choose this route — they had to. Because when there’s no road in, you build your own.

That’s what rural villagers in Sabah do.

They find a way. Together!

Access to water shouldn’t be this hard.

But for many families in rural Sabah, it still is.

Update 15

Just last month, the villagers in Kampung Pinamo & Morugion Tuguson started to move heavy pipes and materials through the jungle, beginning their water project work.

They’ve come a long way!💪

With determination and lots of teamwork in the harsh weather, they’ve built a sturdy foundation for their new poly pipelines, and even set up a simple filtration system to keep leaves, animals, and other harmful items out of their deep jungle water source.

It’s not fancy. It’s not easy. But it’s theirs. Sometimes, simplicity is key🔑

And for them, that means everything—safer water, healthier families, and one less burden off their shoulders.

Update 14

Water should be simple. But for Kampung Pinamo & Morugion Tuguson, it never was.

Before this, families had to carry heavy water containers up and down through slippery hills and jungle trails just to cook, bath, and wash their clothes at home💧

Sometimes, they had no choice but to spend their already limited, hard earned money to buy water from the nearest town shop, just to ensure their children had enough clean water to drink each day.

It was tough, risky, and honestly? It never felt fair, but this is an issue for so many rural Kota Belud villages.

Now, things are finally starting to change. Villagers have begun carrying water pipes, sandbags, and cement up to the water catchment sites — piece by piece, with their own hands.

They’re rebuilding their broken gravity-fed water systems — bringing clean, reliable water closer to home!

Because access to water shouldn’t come at such a high cost. And together, we’re making that change possible. 💧👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

Update 13

For 40 years, water was a daily struggle for Cathrin and her family. Some days, there wasn’t even enough to cook or wash clothes. And farming? It felt impossible without a steady water supply 🚱

But everything changed when the gravity water system was repaired. Now, Cathrin has clean water right at home—no more collecting from rivers or spending money on drinking water🥤

With water flowing freely, she finally started her own farm, something she had dreamed of for years. Fresh veggies now grow just outside her home, saving her money and giving her family healthier meals. No more expensive market trips—just fresh, homegrown food whenever she needs it! 🥗🫶

Cathrin's farm, filled with her own self-grown organic veggies.

Aside from leafy greens, Cathrin also grows fruit-bearing crops, like these vibrant chili plants!

Her latest harvest — fresh leafy greens, straight from her farm to the table!

"I don’t have to worry anymore. Water is here, my farm is growing, and life is so much easier now."

Update 12

Imagine relying on a few decades old gravity water system that barely works with leaking pipes and constant blockages during rainy seasons, not even having enough water for daily needs🚱

The community's water pipe conditions from before the gravity water project execution⬇️

For the 116 families in Kampung Sogoh, this was their daily reality. They had no choice but to spend nearly RM500 a month on clean drinking water and travel to the river just to collect water for bathing and washing - a burden that drained both their time and finances.

Early this 2024, everything changed. Their gravity water system are now updated and repaired, bringing clean, reliable gravity water straight to their homes🏠

With Hartalega CSR team and villagers at the community's water catchment

Rural villagers carrying the water pipeline to the project site

Consistent and stable water flow coming out from water pipe after the gravity water project

No more trips to the river or spending hard earned money on buying water. Now, they can focus on what truly matters - like improving their lives and starting sustainable farming to secure a brighter future🌱👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Update 11

Ever wondered how farmers in remote rural villages water their crops without any public water supply?

In Kampung Sayap, one of the most secluded villages around—there’s no access to public water. So, how does this villager still manage to water her vegetables?

The answer lies in the gravity water system we installed, which now helps her keep her crops healthy and thriving. Nothing fancy, just a simple, reliable setup that now provides farmers like her with a steady water source for both daily needs and farming.

Here, farmers water their crops twice a day—once before sunrise, and again after sunset—to avoid shocking the plants in the midday heat. It’s a tough routine, but it’s what keeps their farms going.

Now, with the gravity system, it’s not only doable, it's a sustainable solution that makes all the difference for families who rely on these crops to eat and earn a living🌱

Update 10

We visited Kampung Bukid Bendera, a small village about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. The community has been relying on a gravity water system for a long time. During our visit, we sat down with the village leader and household representatives to understand their struggles and what they hope to achieve after our intervention. At the very least, they now have something to visualize—a potential change for the better. One of their main goals is to start self-sustaining farming, reducing their dependence on buying vegetables from outside. 

After the discussion, Efandi and Ezra headed into the jungle behind the village to inspect the water pipeline the community relies on. They found several broken sections and noticed that many parts were still using PVC pipes, which aren’t designed for outdoor use. Over time, exposure to the elements causes the PVC to weaken, leading to leaks. The more leakage points there are, the harder it becomes to channel water effectively. 

Update 9

Last week, our team engaged with over 30 village representatives from rural Kota Belud to assess their ongoing struggles with clean water access. Despite years of implementing gravity water systems, many remote villages remain completely disconnected from public water supplies, leaving them vulnerable to water shortages.

This session marked the first stage of our assessment, where we gathered detailed insights into each village’s water challenges. By reviewing their profiles and identifying the most urgent cases, our team facilitated discussions with the villagers to explore potential solutions. More than just a consultation, this was an opportunity to share knowledge, set priorities, and guide these communities toward long-term water sustainability.

The need for clean water access in rural Sabah is more critical than ever. As we continue addressing these challenges, our focus remains on practical, community-driven solutions that ensure lasting impact. Stay tuned as we work towards sustainable water security for all.

Update 8

This is one of those moments where we join the villagers on-site. This photo was taken at the main river intake for Kampung Nahaba. For us, running a project goes far beyond words on paper. It’s about being present, working shoulder-to-shoulder with the community, and navigating the blend of challenges and rewards that community development brings. The journey has its ups and downs, but every step is worth it.

By the end of the day, it’s not just about completing the task; it’s about collecting information, materials, and data that we can share with the public and our donors. Their support fuels these efforts, and showing them the real, lasting impact of their contributions is a moment of true satisfaction for everyone involved.

Update 7

This is Doughlous from LDS, one of the amazing supporters of Hopes’ water projects. He’s super supportive and has been right there with us, meeting the villagers and seeing the community firsthand.

We’ve really enjoyed working with him and his wife on these projects. Check out the video to hear what he has to say!

Update 6

A big thumbs-up for completing an incredibly long water project in Kampung Nahaba! This village has set a new record for us, with piping installation work spanning nearly 6 months.

It’s all worth it when mountain water flows into the village at such an impressive volume. The uncle with the waist sling proudly exclaimed, “Mantap!”

Update 5

Here’s one of the villagers from Kampung Nahaba, who spotted a minor leak in one of the individual pipelines. This is exactly how they maintain their gravity water system—patrolling the area to check for leaks and blockages.

Having a dedicated committee within the community to oversee and manage these assets is crucial to ensuring every household has stable water access and issues are resolved quickly. This is how a community comes together to make things work.

Update 4

This is the water catchment for Kampung Nahaba. It’s a gazetted area set aside by the village where clean, natural water flows from the upstream jungle into this mini dam.

Different sections of the dam share water with nearby villages. In this picture, we’re here with the community, working on an experiment to increase the number of pipe intakes for Kampung Nahaba.

Update 3

Seeing the water overflow from the centralized tank is the ultimate milestone—proof that the tanks are finally being filled to their maximum capacity, resolving the long-standing water issue once and for all.

This is Edward from Kampung Sayap Karanahan, timing how long it takes to fill both water tanks using his phone. It’s a huge moment that reflects all the hard work they’ve put in over the past months, from securing the funding to laying pipes from uphill to downhill, and now it’s finally paying off.

Kampung Sayap Karanahan is home to over 2,000 people and is one of 12 groups in the community. After waiting for decades, their dream is finally coming true!

Update 2

Rural woman helping to pull the pipes during water project execution.

A rural woman actively helping out during her community's water project execution.

Rural women teaming up to clear the pathway for the gravity water pipes.

We’re truly inspired by the women of Sayap Karanahan, actively taking part in gotong royong alongside their community. Here, everyone—regardless of age, religion, or gender—shares equal responsibility in setting up the gravity water system. This inclusive effort not only strengthens bonds but also fosters a sense of community ownership, ensuring the system is valued and maintained long after the water project is completed.

Update 1

A villager puts on goggles, ready to dive into the river to clear the path for their water system.

Villager clearing the river path to ensure their water catchment system runs smoothly.

This isn’t a dive into the sea, but a Sayap Karanahan villager diving into the river to clear the way for their water catchment system—a crucial step to ensure the pipes laid from uphill to downhill work seamlessly.

This task calls for skill and precision, as the HDPE pipe is strategically placed in the main river to secure a reliable water source that can withstand droughts without interrupting water levels.