A TEAM of approximately 30 workers from the main contractor, under the supervision of a few engineers, is set to replace two leaking valves at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant starting tomorrow.
It is learnt that the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has assigned about 100 standby workers to the plant to provide support during the scheduled water disruption from Jan 10 to Jan 14.
In a media statement, PBAPP announced that about 1,300 of its personnel are scheduled on a 24-hour basis to recover water supply services in four stages from Jan 12 to Jan 14.
It also said treated water supply operations will be shut down from 6am tomorrow.
The contractor, requesting anonymity, said they had made thorough preparations for the task two weeks ago.
He said the valves, each measuring 1,200mm in diameter, will be replaced once the main pump at the plant is shut down.
“It’s all system go. We’ve been preparing for this task for the past two weeks.
“We have to be very careful with everything we do now so that we don’t have to restart all over again, or else it will take double time.
“We have done various contract works for PBAPP before, like tunnel construction,” the contractor said.
He said upon completion of valves replacement, the team will open the air valves to release trapped air as water supply is reinstated.
It is learnt that PBAPP plans to close the main pump at Lahar Tiang Intake first before it drains off water from the pipes in Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant at 11pm tonight.
About 80% of the water consumers in Penang are affected by the water disruptions.
Ever since Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the need for the work to be done, he has been consistently urging residents to store water.
While PBAPP has said the water disruption may last 96 hours, areas nearer to the plant are expected to receive the treated water supply a day after fixing the valves.
The state government, through PBAPP, has secured 99 water tankers for deployment to affected areas.
Moreover, 97 static tanks, including 19 Gajah Flexitanks (each capable of storing 24,000 litres of water), set up by PBAPP, state assemblymen and Members of Parliament have been filled with water. They have been placed at strategic places for residents to access water during this period.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting