KL, Selangor water cuts to affect 1 MILLION: Cannot be avoided - Syabas

KUALA LUMPUR -Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) has maintained that the looming water cut in Selangor and KL is necessary to ensure that its Sungai Selangor Phase 2 water treatment plant operates smoothly.

Among the works that will be done include upgrading of switch board, repair of pipeline and replacement of sluice valves were some of the assets replaced during the temporary partial stop-work at the Sungai Selangor Phase 2 water treatment plant.

Its corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department assistant general manager Priscilla Alfred told the New Straits Times that the upgrading works and water disruption were already scheduled.

She said Syabas has also activated the Emergency Response Plan ‘code yellow’ as one million residents would be affected by the water supply disruption.

“Certain components need to be working properly at the pump house to ensure water flows into the balancing reservoirs (treated and storage water) for distribution of water to customers.

“The transformers are also being replaced so that raw water can be channeled into the intake smoothly.

Some of our assets show signs of deterioration as they are being used daily nonstop, thus this planned maintenance is a normal process.

“It would only take 13 hours for the works to be carried out beginning 8am to 9pm on December 17.

The recovery process would take some time in stages.

“Our water reserve margin is lower than one per cent and there are no alternative sources to help channel water,” she said.

Don't panic

Priscilla however said the public should not panic as they were filling up their reservoirs but advised consumers to use water prudently.

She added that should the recovery process exceed the 24-hour period, Syabas would assist those affected but priority will be given to hospitals, dialysis centres and houses of worship.

As an early preparatory measure, Syabas had deployed its staff to face the scheduled water cut by ensuring that 66 tanker lorries are in a state of readiness, as well as 750 static tanks if necessary, especially in areas where water supply had yet to resume after 24 hours.

Residents in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur will face water supply disruptions beginning Tuesday following the temporary partial stop-work at the Sungai Selangor Phase 2 water treatment plant.

The disruption would involve 217,694 consumer accounts, in Gombak, Petaling, Kuala Lumpur and Klang/Shah Alam areas.

For the latest update on the water disruption, log on to their website (www.syabas.com.my), Facebook and Twitter or call the Customer Service Centre (PUSPEL) at the toll-free number 1-800-88-5252. - NST