CONSUMERS in Penang have been told to brace for water interruptions to last from 48 hours to six days as the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) works to resolve the latest water crisis in the state.
As of last night, PBAPP confirmed that 120,000 account holders, mostly in the island's largest district of Balik Pulau, have no water.
The Vibes learnt that many other households in the George Town district including the affluent community in Island Glades and Island Park, Fettes Park and Tanjong Tokong as well as the George Town World Heritage Site also faced interruptions.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari had since visited the affected site - the riverbed PBAPP pipe beneath Sungai Perai, near the Ampang Jajar bridge in Butterworth.
Chow told a live Facebook broadcast that the PBAPP is exploring two options - sending a squad of experienced divers to stop the leak which may take up to 48 hours or expediting the ongoing pipe diversion connection work, fusing the pipes from the riverbed to an overland pipe.
“This may take up to six more days,” he said.
For now, PBAPP is studying all options, said Chow, who pleaded with consumers to be patient, as the state wrestled with its fifth major disruption in less than a month.
The most affected are residents in Balik Pulau, and most worrying is how factories in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, which is the prime mover of the state's manufacturing economy, would cope under such major disruptions.
Chow said contingency measures were in place, with water tankers deployed to the same localities they were stationed barely two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, a former Penang Water Holdings Berhad (PBA) board member said with the Thaipusam celebrations tomorrow, the state needs to hasten the restoration of services.
S. Raveentharan said over a million devotees would be flocking to the state, and it was worrying how they would cope if there was no proper water supply.
“It will complicate plans to ensure a smooth celebration," he said.
If supply cannot be restored, Raveentharan called on water tankers to be stationed throughout the procession route.
The two chariots are scheduled to leave for the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, also known as the Waterfall Hilltop Temple tomorrow. - The Vibes, January 24, 2024.
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