WATER was successfully released from the Genting reservoir this morning to the remaining water users in Balik Pulau who were impacted by the water supply disruption due to the leaked pipe in Sungai Perai.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the refilling of the Genting reservoir requires substantial time as it was located at the end of the pipeline.
“We managed to release water from the Genting reservoir this morning to the last remaining water consumers, hence, completing Plan A,” he told a media conference at the Esplanade this morning.
Chow reiterated that the Plan B pipeline diversion works at Sungai Perai have been postponed to 11.30pm tomorrow (Jan 30).
“As announced by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) yesterday (Jan 28), the scheduled B pipeline diversion works at Sungai Perai have been postponed to 11.30pm tomorrow (Jan 30).
It was initially scheduled for tonight (Jan 29).
“This is following some consumers have requested for a longer ‘pause period’ before the implementation of Plan B.
“PBAPP agrees that this will be more convenient to all affected consumers,” he said.
Chow said the physical works are estimated to take 16 hours, anticipated to be completed by Wednesday (Jan 31) at 2pm before resuming water supply distribution.
“The impacted areas are those in the southwest district and some areas in the northeast district.
“Water supply restoration is expected to take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. Some areas (end of the line and those on higher ground), may take slightly longer than 48 hours.
“The restoration process involves diverting water flow from a large 1,350mm underwater pipeline to two smaller pipes (600mm each), potentially affecting capacity and causing a slight decrease in pressure,” he said.
Chow added that in a long-term initiative, a project is underway to replace pipes at four locations, a process expected in another six to eight months.
“More details will be announced later. Authorities assure readiness for the permanent project after overcoming the current challenges,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad