THE Penang government, through the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with sewage company Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) to explore possibilities of wastewater recycling into treated water.
Responding to the recommendation from the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairman Charles Santiago to recycle wastewater, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said talks with IWK are in progress.
“In this case, we need to have consumers, especially the factories, who are willing to purchase the recycled water,” said Chow in response to a journalist’s query on the sidelines of the Ancom Crop Care Sdn Bhd scholarship presentation ceremony at St Giles Wembley.
On the current water issues in the state, Chow acknowledged that challenges persist.
“The limited water supply and ageing pipe infrastructure will continue to pose a challenge in the future, despite the recent successful replacement of valves and maintenance works.
“I believe that PBAPP will strive its best to serve the people, including upgrading the pipe infrastructure,” he said.
On the topic of potential water bill rebates for affected consumers during the recent water cut, Chow said the state has not received any official requests.
“Wait and see,” he quipped when asked about it.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Siew Chia En