WATER weary residents in Balik Pulau have finally received a piece of good news about getting supply back soon.
The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) took to social media to indicate that the grand attempt to construct a dual diversionary pipeline has been completed ahead of schedule.
The development transpired even as a petition is being passed around online urging the state not to raise water tariffs tomorrow.
PBAPP plans to have supply restored to 84% of the 120,000 affected consumers at Balik Pulau, in the island's Southwest district, by 3.30pm tomorrow with the remainder there getting their water by Friday.
Half of the affected consumers in George Town, which comes under the Northeast district, have already started to see water flowing from their taps.
If the connection to the new pipeline can be done sooner, the overall supply may be restored even earlier.
Currently, PBAPP is conducting test runs to ensure the new pipeline, which is on land next to the Sg Prai and running parallel to the Ampang Jajar Bridge in Butterworth, is functioning effectively so that the pumping of treated water through it can begin in earnest.
The building of the new pipeline is to replace an old riverbed pipe in Sg Prai which has ruptured four times in the past six weeks, causing supply to be cut for hundreds of thousands of frustrated people.
PBAPP undertook an emergency project to construct the dual 66mm pipeline above the surface near the original riverbed line.
The project which commenced two weeks ago has been completed ahead of schedule.
The new dual pipeline is now connected to the main supply line from the neighbouring Sungai Dua Main Water Treatment Plant in Tasek Gelugor.
In a social media posting, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is PBAPP chairman, said that some 52% of the water supply has been restored in the northeast district, specifically in Island Glades and Island Park, as of 11am today.
He added that the valves in the diversionary pipeline have been successfully opened and pressure is gradually increasing for affected consumers in the Southwest district which includes Balik Pulau.
Meanwhile, netizens in Penang have launched an online signature campaign to seek widespread public support in dissuading PBAPP from hiking up water tariff rates by 148 percent from tomorrow.
The campaign is going viral throughout the state.
Recently, the National Water Supply Commission (SPAN) approved a nationwide hike in water tariffs among the respective state water authorities, including Penang which has the lowest rate in the country.
Penang Gerakan Public Complaints Bureau chairman Andrew Ooi urged PBAPP to ensure that households, particularly those in high-rise residences, can have enjoy full supply.
Complaints have surfaced that some residents are unable to access the same supply level as before, with many experiencing either low pressure or no water at all.
Ooi said that PBAPP owes it to consumers to ensure that supply is restored as best as possible instead of forcing those affected to hire private plumbers to help them.
"It is an additional cost which should not be passed on to the consumers. The supply was disrupted due to PBAPP's inefficiency, so the water authority must be responsible," he said.
He also urged PBAPP to provide rebates to those affected by the constant disruption. – The Vibes, January 31, 2024
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