DESPITE facing challenges in the repair works, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) remains on schedule in its efforts to reclamp a burst riverbed pipe in Sungai Perai, according to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The burst pipe, the fourth incident since last month, has raised concerns of potential water supply disruptions for 200,000 consumers in the state.
Chow revealed that divers sent to carry out the reclamping work were hindered by fast-flowing water conditions. He expressed hope that the reclamping could be completed by 4pm, allowing for the subsequent restoration of water supply to affected areas.
“If it is done on schedule, then we will proceed with the next course of action which is to restore the water supply to the affected areas. This is what we are facing at the moment. We are racing against time. We want these works to be completed quickly.”
Acknowledging the time sensitivity of the situation, Chow warned of a three-day water supply disruption from today if reclamping efforts were unsuccessful.
“Water tankers will still be mobilised even if Plan A (reclamping) is successful,” he added.
Moreover, Chow also provided an update on PBAPP’s Plan B which involves connecting two new 600mm pipelines and disconnecting a 1,350mm underwater pipeline.
He reported that Plan B was 70% complete, with the first pipe already installed and the second expected to be in place by tonight.
“If Plan B can be completed by Saturday (Jan 27), that means that we are ahead of schedule with the works being done in 15 days instead of the 21 scheduled earlier,” he further added.
The Penang government previously targeted an end to the pipework by Feb 2. – Jan 25, 2023
Main photo credit: The Star
