THE UNPRECEDENTED scheduled water disruption that lasted up to four days in some parts of Penang ended at about 4.30am today after the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) restored supply to all of the 590,000 accounts affected earlier.
However, there are still some areas, particularly in Balik Pulau, which continue to encounter low pressure due to inhouse pumping issues and the fact that the underwater pipe at Sg Perai is only pumping at mid-level due to another leak along the line at the bottom of the river.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari, who oversees the infrastructure portfolio, were busy visiting areas in Balik Pulau affected by low pressure due to the Sg Perai incident.
They visited the Flat Lily, Flat Taman Sri Indah, Flat Focus Height dan Flat Hijau at Taman Desa Genting to ensure that despite the low pressure, residents there were getting help from water tankers and Fire and Rescue Department volunteer groups.
Chow said that the full restoration came as the Hindu community celebrated the Ponggal festival, a symbolic celebration of harvest, today.
“I hope that this disruption would not dampen the celebrations for Ponggal, and soon we are set to celebrate Thaipusam and Chinese New Year. We hope that this resumption amidst the crisis we just weathered wouldn’t dampen the spirits of Penangites.”
The immediate goal of PBAPP now is to install two pipes to divert water from the riverbed pipe to one above the water surface, running parallel to the Ampang Jajar Bridge in Butterworth, Chow said.
The riverbed pipe continues to function temporarily pending the major water works of installing the two pipes.
He expects the repair works to be completed within the next 21 days.
More remedial works
Chow stressed that the battle to produce reliable water delivery services is at the top of the state’s agenda with over RM1 billion set aside to modernise its water system and to undertake contingency measures in view of a disruption to the raw water intake.
But the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) is urging Penang to undertake more remedial works on its aged piping and to actively source for alternative sources.
SPAN chairman Charles Santiago spoke of rainwater harvesting, reclaiming of wastewater and storage of pond water.
He also urged Penangites to lower their consumption, which is the highest in the country, as conservation is the way forward in fighting climate change.
The scheduled water cuts for crucial repairs and upgrading received much criticism by community leaders and civil society alike but eventually, Penang prevailed as it went without a glitch, except for the constant leakage of the riverbed pipeline at Sg Perai.
PBAPP pulled out all stops to upgrade two 1,200mm main valves at the Sg Dua main water treatment plant and conducted ancillary works at 22 other locations.
However, it is learnt that all is not rosy at PBAPP, as there was a difference of opinion over how to mitigate the pipe leaks at Sg Perai.
A former state executive councillor lamented that Penang is mired with too much bureaucracy and shifting of blame.
This may hamper future dealings of the PBAPP, which must now upgrade its services to meet the growing demand amidst higher public expectations after the 96-hour water cut, the former executive councillor said. – The Vibes, January 14, 2024
