THE Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) is undertaking two emergency action plans simultaneously to address the Sungai Perai underwater pipeline leakage which impacted some 120,000 water consumers in Penang.
The affected consumers are located in the southwest district of Penang island and some areas in the northeast district.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in a media conference today, said the two action plans are to re-clamp the 1,350mm pipeline to temporarily recover water supply services; and to expedite the preparatory works for the commissioning of two new 600mm pipelines to replace the Sungai Perai underwater pipeline.
“Based on the assessment, a bigger hole measuring 1.05m by 0.65m was discovered in the same section of the 1,350mm underwater pipeline. The underwater pipeline is over 30 years old.
“Firstly, PBAPP will attempt to re-clamp the 1,350mm pipeline to temporarily recover water supply services. If this plan is successful, 84% of the 120,000 affected water consumers should receive water by 8am on Jan 26. Subsequently, the remaining affected consumers will receive water supply by 8am on Jan 27.
“This is a temporary solution. Water consumers will have two to three days to store water for the implementation of the next action.
“The preparatory works for the commissioning of two new 600mm pipelines to replace the Sungai Perai underwater pipeline will be expedited. A scheduled water supply interruption will be implemented to enable the pipeline diversion works.
“The scheduled disconnection of the Sungai Perai underwater pipeline and the diversion works will be implemented on Jan 30.
“Therefore, there will be a scheduled water supply interruption for some 120,000 water consumers located in the southwest district of Penang island and some areas in the northeast district on Jan 30.
“The recovery of water supply for 84% of the 120,000 affected consumers is expected on Jan 31. The remaining 16% of the affected consumers (including end-of-line and high grounds) are expected to receive their water supply on Feb 1,” Chow said.
He added that should the attempt to re-clamp the 1,350mm pipeline fail, PBAPP would move on to the preparatory works for the commissioning of two new 600mm pipelines to replace the Sungai Perai underwater pipeline.
“That would mean that the recovery of water supply for 84% of the 120,000 affected consumers is expected on Jan 31, and the remaining 16% of the affected consumers (including end-of-line and high grounds) are expected to receive their water supply on Feb 1,” he explained the situation to the media. Chow anticipated the result of the attempt to be known tomorrow (Jan 25).
Chow said that PBAPP presented the proposals to the Penang executive council this afternoon and has obtained the approval.
“Meanwhile, the water tankers are being mobilised to assist in the situation,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan