THE Penang Water Supply Corporation Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) hopes that the one-month heads-up on mass stoppage of supply that it has given to manufacturers in the state will give them time to prepare for the water cuts for upgrading and repairs from January 10 to 14.
Its chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said that by regulation, factory operators must secure a 48-hour worth of water reserve in their tanks at their respective premises.
With the one-month notice the factories have time to store more water so that their production capacities are not affected during the period, he told a press conference in George Town today.
He said PBAPP has no choice but to undertake the major upgrading works next month due to the need to repair a crucial 1,200mm valve at the Sungai Dua water treatment plant in Butterworth.
The plant provides water to around 80% of the state’s consumers, including at the key industrial estates, as well as commercial and tourist areas.
Up to 600,000 consumers are expected to be affected by the 96-hour water cuts, of which 24 hours would see the actual maintenance and upgrading works. The remaining 72 hours will be spent on restoring supply.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present, urged PBAPP to ensure that supply is restored more quickly, preferably that they regain supply within 48 hours.
“I am also appealing to consumers who receive water to use it sparingly so that all consumers can get their supply the soonest,” he said.
He said the valve needs to be repaired now, as it can break down at any juncture.
Chow called for the entire state to stay resolute as PBAPP and the local authorities work overtime to ensure the exercise is effective.
He also ruled out any possible sabotage which many occur during the downtime in the supply, saying that there is no such issue.
As of now, up to 60 water tankers have been planned for deployment for contingency water supply to people.
PBAPP will also ensure that volunteers are stationed to help those having difficulty ferrying up water to their apartment units, especially in high-rise residences.
There has been general unhappiness in the state over the lengthy duration of the planned water disruption, with reports quoting industrialists that they are disappointed that the manufacturing sector was not consulted over the move. – The Vibes, December 12, 2023.
