THE replacement and connection works on the new Permatang Pauh pipeline section have reached 90% completion, according to Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan.
Pathmanathan stated that final welding works are underway, with the water supply restoration process for the affected areas expected to commence in stages starting at 10pm tonight.
“PBAPP is on track to restore water supply for approximately 118,000 consumers affected by the scheduled water interruption in the central Seberang Perai (SPT) and south Seberang Perai (SPS) districts by 10pm.
“As of 1pm today, we have achieved 90% completion in connecting and commissioning a new 180m-long, 1.2m-diameter pipeline section near the Politeknik Seberang Perai campus in Permatang Pauh.
“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we are on schedule, and PBAPP remains committed to restoring water supply for all affected consumers in SPT and SPS starting from 10pm tonight,” Pathmanathan said during a site visit press conference today.
Penang Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari was also present.
The issue arose on Sept 19, when a contractor from another utility company damaged a pipeline buried approximately 15m beneath a monsoon drain near the Politeknik Seberang Perai campus. The damaged section is part of a major pipeline, 1.2m in diameter (3.9ft), used by PBAPP to pump large volumes of water southward from the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant, Penang’s largest.
Zairil urged consumers in the affected areas to bear with the situation for a little longer, as PBAPP is doing its best to expedite the works.
He also expressed hope that the works might be completed ahead of schedule.
The replacement works for the Permatang Pauh pipeline section are estimated to cost around RM2 million.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis