PLAN A, involving the repair works to re-clamp the 1,350mm underwater pipeline in Sungai Perai, is expected to be completed this evening.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said currently the upper section of the heavy clamp has been successfully completed but the lower section re-clamping was delayed due to tidal conditions.
“Nevertheless, the river condition looks good today and the team of divers will commence work on the lower section right now, with completion expected by this evening.
“If everything goes smoothly, water supply for 84% of the 120,000 affected consumers can resume as early as tomorrow morning (Jan 26).
“The remaining 16% will see water recovery starting Saturday morning (Jan 27), including for affected consumers at end-of-line and high ground,” Chow told a press conference during a site visit today.
Chow added that this is a temporary solution for water consumers in the next two or three days to store water for the upcoming Plan B.
Regarding Plan B, Chow said preparations for commissioning two new 600mm pipelines to replace the Sungai Perai underwater pipeline are now at 70%.
“One of the 600mm pipelines has been successfully installed near the Ampang Jajar bridge. We expect the preparatory works for the commissioning of two new 600mm pipelines to be completed earlier than expected this Saturday (Jan 27), instead of on Jan 29.
“Following this, the connection works of the two new 600mm pipelines and disconnection of the underwater pipeline in Sungai Perai will start.
“A scheduled water supply interruption (less than 24 hours) will be implemented to facilitate the pipeline diversion works.
“More info will be provided by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) from time to time,” he said.
Also present during the site visit were Penang, Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan and Chow’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar