TO ensure future water supply security in Penang, there are a few initiatives that Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) and the state government need to do, says Water Watch Penang (WWP) president Prof Datuk Dr Chan Ngai Weng.
According to Dr Chan, firstly, PBAPP and the Penang government must definitely upgrade the water infrastructure.
He said the Sungai Perai underwater pipe must be replaced by a surface pipe on land.
“Secondly, the non-revenue water (NRW) rates must be controlled by upgrading and replacing pipes, as well as improving computer detection and human responses to leakage.
“Next, the water tariffs for both domestic and non-domestic must be revised to reflect ‘cost recovery’.
“This is because Penangites are demanding a lot. They demand the best, especially water supply. Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this if people are willing to work, pay and sacrifice for it.
“However, if one is not willing to pay for any little rise in water tariffs, but wants good quality water 24/7 and does not want to endure any water cuts, then they better wake up to reality!
“After all, water supply is a serious global issue affecting almost all countries. All over the world, including in many parts of Malaysia (notably Selangor, Putrajaya and KL), water cuts are common, and often unavoidable,” Dr Chan told Buletin Mutiara when contacted today.
WWP is a non-profit organisation founded in November 1997 as part of the sustainable Penang Initiative under the auspices of the Socio-economic and Environmental Research Institute (SERI) of Penang.
Dr Chan added that Penangites should count themselves lucky that water cuts in Penang are few and far between, and largely the result of unavoidable incidents.
“Penangites must understand that such a major incident of water disruption must be carried out to improve the water supply system.
“Logically, given an educated populace in Penang, one would expect heightened awareness that these repairs are necessary to strengthen the existing water system, and the repairs are the best options available at the moment.
“Being responsible citizens, our next course of action is, therefore to explore and take proactive actions to face the water disruption, instead of screaming for blood!”, he said.
Dr Chan shared that to enhance public preparedness towards water cuts, there are a few things Penangites could do to strengthen their household water security, and also to face future water disruption.
“They can instal supplementary water tanks and implement rainfall harvesting systems for various purposes like washing, flushing and gardening.
“They can also store water in large tanks and containers for use during the disruption or can just visit a relative or friend whose houses are not affected by the disruption.
“Penangites must be self-reliant, resilient and take pro-active action as water security is a very serious matter.
“After all, water is everybody’s business and everybody’s responsibility,” said Dr Chan.
Meanwhile, Buletin Mutiara also interviewed several PBAPP consumers in Komtar today and tourism stakeholders to gather feedback on the recently concluded four-day scheduled water supply disruption (SWSI) from Jan 10 to 14.
Below are their comments:
Mohamad Zainul Abidin Mydin, 53:
“I live at Taman Sri Pinang Flats in George Town. When we heard about the four-day water disruption, I brought my family out of Penang for a holiday but to our surprise, it was resolved within 24 hours, surpassing its target of 96 hours.
“Hats off to PBAPP for their commitment and hard work to ensure water was restored to the consumers within the stipulated time, or even ahead of time.”
Mohamad Idris Mohamad Rasool, 67, hawker:
“We were without water for only two hours at the Taman Manggis Flats. In my 67 years, I never encountered such a situation, but the efforts and dedication of the PBAPP team, as well as other key water operators, are truly commendable.“
Lim Yong Seng, 55, retiree:
“Moving forward, I hope PBAPP will devise a strategy, where in the event of the need to close down the water supply, they will do it in phases instead of completely shutting the water supply for the consumers.”
Datuk Tony Goh (Malaysian Association of Hotel (MAH) Penang chapter chairman):
“As mentioned earlier, we totally understand the necessity of repair and maintenance works conducted by PBAPP at Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant to replace the leaking valves.
“What I want to point out is that it will be great if there is an engagement session conducted with various stakeholders before PBAPP makes such announcements.
“From such a session, we can understand the challenges we are expected to face and provide suggestions.
“Finding amicable solutions from both parties on how to minimise the impact during the scheduled water cut will be beneficial.
“For example, during the recent scheduled water cut, most of the hoteliers had to spend a large amount of money to rent water tankers so that their hotels could still operate. This is because we are not on the PBAPP priority list. So, whether we want it or not, we have to rent the water tankers as we still have guests staying during that period.
“Nevertheless, I would like to praise PBAPP for managing to complete the works on schedule and everything went smoothly, with most of the hotels starting to receive water supply on the second day.”
Datuk Ch’ng Huck Theng (Association of Tourism Attractions Penang (ATAP) chairman):
“Now that the valve replacement works at Sungai Dua WTP are completed, the important next step is regular inspection and maintenance.
“Thank you also to the PBAPP for managing to complete all the work on time without further delays.
“We also understand the necessity for PBAPP to conduct replacement works to safeguard water security in the near future.
“In addition, the state government should formulate an emergency plan or standard operating procedure (SOP) in the event of a sudden water pipe burst to prevent water cuts in the state.”
Story by Riadz Akmal and Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting