GEORGE TOWN – Water cuts in Penang from December 2 to 4 are inevitable because the main treatment plant at Sg Dua in Butterworth is in need of major maintenance works, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
The state expects some 200,000 consumers in Prai – consisting of Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam, Nibong Tebal, and Kepala Batas districts – to be affected in stages.
Chow told a press conference that the maintenance work will also include replacing the plant’s main valve and upgrading piping.
Apologising on behalf of the Penang Water Supply Corp (PBAPP), Chow said this round of cuts would thankfully only involve certain areas in Prai and not the entire state.
“Fortunately, the island is spared,” Chow said after announcing details of the annual Penang International Science Fair, which will be held from December 3 till 10 here.
The disruption is only expected to last 48 hours, and households together with industrial and commercial areas would either suffer from low pressure or have no water supply.
Of the 197,851 consumers who will be affected, 173,236 will have their water supply cut off and 24,615 will experience low water pressure.
“Please store sufficient water during the 48-hour water interruption,” Chow added.
Consumers are advised to contact PBAPP at 04-255-8255 for any enquiries.
Meanwhile, PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan confirmed that the maintenance exercise was essential to ensure efficient water supply. – The Vibes, November 23, 2022