Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, has announced that the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) aims to restore water supply to over 50% of the population within a 72-hour period.
The scheduled water disruptions are set to take place from Jan 10 to 14 next year, as the state water authority plans to replace two main control valves measuring 1,200mm in the main treated water pipe at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant. It has been leaking, prompting the need for replacement.
Chow also directed PBAPP to plan and coordinate the restoration of water supply more expeditiously to minimize difficulties for the people and businesses in Penang. “The overall objective is to ensure that the majority, or more than 50%, of the affected users have their water supply restored within a 72-hour period,” he said during a press conference in Komtar on Monday (Dec 11).
Chow also emphasized the need to expedite the restoration of water supply for non-domestic users in various areas. A fleet of 55 water tankers will be deployed to transport water, according to fixed schedules, to affected consumers. PBAPP is also seeking the assistance of other state water operators to send more water tankers to Penang.
Additionally, a total of 60 static water tanks will be installed in targeted areas to help meet the water needs of consumers.
Chow also stressed the importance of the people of Penang playing a crucial role beyond being mere water consumers. “It is our collective responsibility to actively participate in ensuring the seamless execution of water facility maintenance and recovery operations,” he said.
He called on Penangites to work collaboratively with the state government to use water wisely as one of the efforts to contribute to the efficient functioning and restoration of our water infrastructure.
