A major water supply disruption is set to occur from 25th to 28th April, affecting 341,708 users across five districts in Penang. According to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, this planned disruption will allow the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to conduct 23 pipeline installation projects and other works amounting to RM25 million. “The impact of these projects will be felt by 465,000 consumer accounts in the state, either through increased water supply, improved water pressure, more stable supply at all times and faster recovery in the event of disruptions,” Chow stated.
The disruption will involve a partial shutdown of the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant. Scheduled from Friday, 25th April, to Monday, 28th April, the shutdown may extend up to 60 hours. Chow, who is also the PBAPP chairman, assured that efforts are in place to restore 88 per cent of the water supply for 300,185 out of the 341,708 affected accounts within 48 hours. He urged the public to cooperate with the plan by storing enough water for 24, 48, or 60 hours, depending on their location.
PBAPP’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk K. Pathmanathan, highlighted the primary focus of the disruption in April would be on completing the final connection works for the new Sungai Perai River Crossing Pipeline at Ampang Jajar, which is valued at RM8.7 million. Additionally, seven other projects will be undertaken at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant in Seberang Perai Utara during this period to enhance pumping and treated water supply from the facility.
The projects will include necessary upgrades and maintenance of treated water pumping operations, repairing a leaking pipeline measuring 700 millimetres in diameter, and replacing a butterfly valve on the main 1.2-metre pipeline at Jalan Pengkalan Tambang, near the Sungai Dua plant. Pathmanathan elaborated that the restoration of water supply will occur in three phases, with 40 per cent, or 136,683 consumers, expected to have water restored within 24 hours in various areas. In total, 88 per cent, or 163,502 users, will regain supply within 48 hours, while the remaining 41,523 accounts should have their water restored within 60 hours.
