A TOTAL of 20 out of 23 waterworks projects undertaken during the scheduled water supply interruption (SWSI) in Penang have been successfully completed as of 2pm today, achieving a completion rate of 88%.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the remaining three projects, classified as critical works, are expected to be completed by 6pm today.
“These three projects are located in Kampong Teluk, Ampang Jajar and Mee Tambang in Sungai Dua.
“These locations are where underground pipes along Sungai Perai are being replaced with overhead pipes.
“The Sungai Perai Crossing Pipeline (SR-RCP) section in Seberang Perai costs RM8.7 million, Chow told reporters during his site visit to Flat Rimbun Kampung Terang in Pulau Betong today.
Also present was Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik.
Chow added that the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP) remains operational at 50% capacity, allowing water to continue being channelled to key water reservoirs such as Bukit Dumbar and other areas.
Earlier, Chow also visited several locations, including Taman Perda Teluk Kumbar, Masjid Sungai Batu in Bayan Lepas, and Taman Desa Genting in Pulau Betong to monitor the situation during the SWSI period.
He commended the efforts of all parties involved, including state elected representatives, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), and Village Community Management Councils (MPKKs) for their proactive measures, such as providing flexi tanks, to ensure affected residents have sufficient access to water.
The three-day SWSI that started at 10pm last night will last until April 28 (10am), affecting 341,708 consumers across all five districts.
Depending on location, 40% of affected consumers (136,683) can receive a water supply within 24 hours, 88% (163,502) within 48 hours and 100% within 60 hours.
In general, areas closer to the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (Sungai Dua WTP) and major pipelines will experience a shorter disruption compared to those further away.
Key industrial areas, including Bayan Lepas, Perai, Bukit Minyak, and Batu Kawan, as well as Penang International Airport, should have water supply restored within 24 to 28 hours.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar