WITH the scheduled water interruption just 48 hours away, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow hopes that everyone can work together to ensure the smooth execution of crucial maintenance work at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).
“Over the next 48 hours, we urge all parties to concentrate on ensuring the smooth implementation of crucial maintenance and other related works, while also hoping for favourable weather conditions.
“We also hope that the work can be completed as scheduled,” Chow said during his inspection of the jumbo water tankers (40,000 litres – 50,000 litres) parked near the City Stadium this morning.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo (who is also the state Human Capital Development, Science and Technology Committee chairman), Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan.
Chow said that the PBAPP is ready for the scheduled water interruption from Jan 10 to Jan 14, with a total of 99 water tankers fully equipped and ready for deployment during the water cut.
He added static tanks that have been placed at various places have been filled with water.
“These tanks include the 97 static tanks set up by the PBAPP, including a total of 19 ‘Jumbo Flexitants’ with a capacity of 24,000 litres each, and all other tanks provided by the respective state assemblymen and parliamentarians.
“While the deployment of the tankers and static tanks cannot replace the daily supply of water to the consumers, it aims to provide some relief.
“We understand and apologise to the consumers for the inconvenience of queueing up to collect water during the water cut.
“Apart from that, we also hope that consumers have also stored water and for those who have not yet done it, please do so starting from now,” he said.
Chow added that the water cut will impact approximately 80% of water consumers. However, those who receive their water supply from sources other than the Sungai Dua Water Treatment plants, specifically in Air Itam, Batu Feringghi, Bukit Panchor, and Tok Alang in Bukit Mertajam, will not be affected.
Responding to a reporter’s question, Chow said that the scheduled water interruption would proceed despite being opposed by several state assemblymen.
“If I wanted to be popular, I would have asked PBAPP to postpone the scheduled water interruption and wait for a new ‘Chief Minister’, who would then assume the responsibility of implementing it.
“However, the responsibility that I have as well as my conscience will not allow me to do that,” he said.
The water supply recovery period will vary based on the location and distance of consumers’ premises from the water treatment plant.
The National Water Commission (SPAN) is also set to provide additional water tankers from other states as well.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Alissala Thian