GEORGE TOWN – Hot weather, high water demand for Chinese New Year celebrations, and firefighting activities at the Pulau Burung landfill have contributed to low water pressure currently experienced by some residing in Seberang Prai Selatan.
Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa said the hot weather spell since the beginning of the year with minimal rain is one of the main factors behind the situation.
“Low water pressure has been reported in several housing estates located in the highlands and the end of the distribution pipe in Seberang Prai Selatan.
“Although firefighters source their water from a nearby river, volunteer firefighters and the Seberang Prai City Council take water from PBAPP taps located around the landfill area,” he said in a statement today.
Among those affected are residents at Merbok Residence, Taman Seruling Emas, Taman Widuri, Sg Duri and nearby areas located higher than at the end of the distribution pipe.
Jaseni said the demand for water in Seberang Prai Selatan had also increased significantly due to socio-economic growth in recent years.
He said PBAPP is working to address the issue of low water pressure in Seberang Prai Selatan, including improving and reconfiguring the existing supply network to ensure good and consistent pressure.
“We will also connect dead pipes at strategic locations to ensure good water distribution pressure.
“Besides that, PBAPP will intensify the inspection of leaks, valve damage or air lock in the mains and pipelines, as well as carry out de-airing work if required.
“Work to repair (or replace) all leaking pipelines and valves will also be done immediately.
“We will also install 13 community static water tanks in Taman Widuri, Taman Seruling Emas, Sg Duri, Taman Seri Putera, Sg Duri Indah, Sg Baong and Seberang Prai Prison Complex,” he said.
Jaseni added that a water tanker will be sent if the PBAPP pressure recorder detects a water supply disruption for more than 24 hours.
“This low water pressure issue cannot be fully resolved until the implementation of a comprehensive long-term water supply engineering program to increase treated water production and upgrade the existing water distribution network,” he said. – The Vibes, February 2, 2022
