THE temporary measure to divert pipes near the Ampang Jajar bridge at the top of the Sungai Perai surface is set to begin at midnight tonight.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the undertaking involves constructing a temporary structure for the laying of two pipes (600mm each), about 10 metres away from the Ampang Jajar bridge.
“The works carried out will not affect the water consumers in Seberang Perai and Northeast district.
“However, as the pipe in Sungai Perai supplies 40% of the island’s water needs, particularly to the Southwest district, residents there may receive low water pressure during the works.
“Nevertheless, we are hopeful that the water restoration process can be completed by 6am tomorrow (Jan 14), with only a few locations possibly experiencing delays. Even with what had happened in Sungai Perai, we are still able to stay according to the schedule set by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP),” he said during his visit to Sungai Perai today.
Chow said about 90% of households in the Southwest district have received water as of noon today.
Chow also commended PBAPP, the Public Works Department, and the Drainage and Irrigation Department for their collaborative efforts in expediting the repair works at Sungai Perai.
Also, present during the site visit were state executive councillors Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, in charge of Local Government, Town and Country Planning, and Zairil Khir Johari, who oversees the state Transport and Infrastructure portfolio.
He said he appreciated the efforts of both state executive councillors for working tirelessly in helping to address the water issues.
Chow added that H’ng has mobilised the tankers from PBAPP, SPAN (National Water Services Commission), private companies and voluntary fire brigades to the affected areas in the Southwest district until the water is restored.
To lay a new pipe to replace the ‘irreparable’ pipe in Sungai Perai may take 21 days, but Chow expressed hope that it could be done faster.
In Penang Hill earlier, Chow said the existing pipe in Sungai Perai was no longer repairable.
“However, I believe that an immediate approval by the Public Works Department (PWD) can be given due to this isolated incident as the diversion passes through its property. Currently, this is only a short-term measure to rectify the situation,” said Chow after launching the ‘LOVEPenang signage’ by the Lions’ Club in Penang Hill today.
Chow believed that the water restoration process could even have been completed last night (Jan 12), if not for the burst pipe in Sungai Perai.
Chow also highlighted various solutions, ranging from short-term to long-term, to improve the water system in the state.
The short-term measure was the allocation of RM180 million meant for the replacement of the valves in the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant and works along the 22 ancillary repair sites.
PBAPP shut down the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant on Jan 10 to replace two leaking valves, each measuring 1.2m in diameter, and also conduct minor repair works at 22 locations across the state. It set a four-day water disruption, ending tomorrow on Jan 14.
In the mid-term plan, PBAPP plans to invest RM1.185 billion in the water supply projects under the PBAPP’s Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030). The long-term plan includes the Perak-Penang water deal initiative.
On the possible assistance by the Federal Government to upgrade a main valve at the major water treatment plant, Chow welcomed the move as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Energy Transition and Public Utilities Minister.
Also present during the event were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng, and Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Alissala Thian