THE unforeseen water disruptions impacted by Sungai Perai recently and the upcoming scheduled water disruptions from Jan 10 to 14 are different, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasised.
“The Sungai Perai incident resulted from an emergency response to a leaking valve during scheduled repair work, causing unexpected delays.
“The pipeline was submerged underwater, necessitating specialised expertise and equipment for the repair process. Consequently, this circumstance significantly impeded the restoration of normal water supply.
“In contrast, the forthcoming disruptions at Sungai Dua water treatment plant (WTP) have a detailed plan in place to mitigate consumer challenges during the four-day period,” Chow stressing the distinction between the two disruptions.
He assures the public that notices regarding the upcoming disruptions have been disseminated through Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) channels and mass media.
“The disruption will commence on Jan 10, with a total cutoff of water supply due to the halt of water from Sungai Muda river for repair works at Sungai Dua WTP.
“By Jan 11, repairs are expected to conclude, and water recovery will commence in stages, with full recovery anticipated on Jan 14,” he added.
Chow urges the public to prepare by storing sufficient water supplies for the four-day period and advises readiness for extended disruptions in case of unforeseen incidents.
In collaboration with 24 local volunteer fire and rescue forces (PBS), water tanks from PBS fire engines will be dispatched to supplement water supplies in affected areas.
PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said feeding stations strategically located across Penang island and Seberang Perai would facilitate water collection by PBS fire engines without the need for extensive travel.
He also highlighted the need for sanitising PBS fire engine water tanks before receiving water from feeding stations and recommends equipping PBS fire engines with water supply starting from Jan 8 for unforeseen circumstances.
Chow expressed hope that the combined efforts of PBAPP and PBS, coupled with these preparations, would prevent a recurrence of the challenges faced during the Sungai Perai water disruption.
Additionally, state Local Government, Town, and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye awarded RM3,000 each to the 24 local volunteer fire and rescue forces pivotal during the May 2023 water disruptions in Penang.
Story by Norman Sim
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar