THE Pasukan Bomba Sukarela (PBS) Kawasan Bukit Mertajam, comprising eight fire brigade associations, is geared up to assist during the scheduled water interruption in central Seberang Perai district from Jan 10 to Jan 14.
Chairman Datuk SN Lee said they are well-prepared to assist the residents.
“We are not only prepared but are also organised in deploying manpower to various locations during the water interruption.
“As much as preparation is important, the execution part is equally vital, which we are very good at. This is because we always respond to emergencies,” he added.
Earlier, it was announced that the water interruption was scheduled due to major maintenance work at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which will be carried out by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).
Lee also thanked the state government for the advance notice about the water disruption, allowing them to have ample time to make preparations.
“We hope that the PBAPP will be able to complete maintenance work as soon as possible.
“In addition, this serves as a wake-up call for all of us, the water consumers who have enjoyed an abundance of clean water supply all this time.
“We also hope that the PBAPP will take proactive steps to prevent future disruptions,” Lee said.
He shared that there are approximately 200,000 to 300,000 residents in central Seberang Perai.
Taman Sukun Bukit Mertajam Voluntary Fire Brigade Association chairman Loh Soon Lee said his team has readied 17,000 litres of water for residents.
Taman Sukun Bukit Mertajam Voluntary Fire Brigade Association is one of the eight associations under the umbrella of the Pasukan Bomba Sukarela (PBS) Kawasan Bukit Mertajam.
“We have already prepared 14,000 litres of water in water tanks and another 3,000 litres via fire trucks.
“These water tanks will be placed near residential areas and will be refilled after usage,” Loh said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who visited the Taman Sukun Bukit Mertajam Voluntary Fire Brigade Association today, hoped that the assistance from the volunteers would ensure water supply to the residents in the neighbourhood.
“We are open to criticisms, but our primary focus is to successfully complete this major maintenance operation.
“With the help of these volunteers, we hope that residents in central Seberang Perai will receive a water supply during the period,” Chow said.
Also present was Taman Sukun Bukit Mertajam Voluntary Fire Brigade Association secretary general Loh Choon Chuan.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat