SIXTY static water tanks will be installed in targeted areas to help meet the consumers’ water needs during the scheduled water supply interruption from Jan 10 to 14 next year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) would also deploy 55 water tankers to transport water, according to a fixed schedule, to affected consumers.
“PBAPP is still seeking aid from other state water operators to send more water tankers to Penang.
“PBAPP is planning to recover the water supply in stages. Starting on Jan 10, 2024, the comprehensive deployment strategy for water tankers will undergo daily reconfiguration.
“As areas progressively regain access to water, PBAPP will reallocate and redeploy water tankers to those still facing water shortages.
“Responding to the Penang government’s request, PBAPP will unveil its water tanker and static tank response plan later this month. This unveiling will coincide with the announcement of PBAPP’s refined targets for the staged water supply recovery,” he told a media conference at his office in Komtar today.
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Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, state Trade, Entrepreneurial Development, and Rural Development Committee chairman Rashidi Zinol, Penang Water Supply Corporation chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan, Penang Development Corporation (PDC) chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar, and Mida Penang director Muhammad Ghaddaffi Sardar Mohamed.
Chow highlighted that the state government had instructed PBAPP to plan and coordinate a faster recovery of water supply services given the scheduled water supply disruption next month.
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“We understand that the 1,200mm valve replacement works at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant are major water works that must be completed properly to mitigate the potential risks associated with a major breakdown of the plant.
“Nevertheless, our priority is to minimise any inconvenience to the public.
“In light of this commitment, the PBAPP team is strategically planning the gradual restoration of water supply services for the 590,000 affected consumers.
“This phased approach is designed to be completed within a timeframe ranging from 48 to 96 hours,” Chow explained.
He added that the overarching objective is to guarantee that a significant majority, exceeding 50% of the affected consumers, have their water supply restored within a 72-hour timeframe.
“Additionally, I have directed PBAPP to expedite the water supply recovery for major non-domestic consumers in strategic areas such as Batu Kawan, Bukit Minyak, Butterworth, Perai, George Town, and the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone,” Chow said.
“I entrust PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan with the responsibility of unveiling PBAPP’s updated targets for the restoration of water supply services to most affected consumers.
“This announcement is scheduled to take place during a PBAPP press conference on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023, at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant,” Chow said.
He added that the people of Penang play a crucial role beyond being mere water consumers.
“It is our collective responsibility to actively participate in ensuring the seamless execution of water facility maintenance and recovery operations.
“Let us collaboratively engage in these efforts to contribute to the efficient functioning and restoration of our water infrastructure,” Chow said.
Pathmanathan, who was also present at the media conference, said the challenge is not about the 1,200mm valve replacement works at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant, but the processes before and after the replacement works which had to be done in stages.
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“These processes are the ones that take time. The valve replacement only takes about eight to 10 hours, and it is not a challenge to PBAPP.
“The processes may take up to 96 hours.
“We appeal to consumers to use water sparingly once they receive water. This will expedite the process for fellow consumers to access water. Your mindful water usage plays a crucial role in ensuring a swifter and more equitable distribution for everyone,” he said.
In addition, Pathmanathan revealed that PBAPP has eight water tankers to aid dialysis centres, hospitals, and funerals (if any).
“Those who need assistance can call our customer service. We will provide more details soon,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud