Water disruptions haunt residents across south Seberang Perai

 

After three years of dealing with frequent water supply disruptions, those living in Mukim 5, South Seberang Perai hardly bat an eyelid whenever their taps run dry. - NSTP/MIKAIL ONG

GEORGE TOWN: After three years of dealing with frequent water supply disruptions, those living in Mukim 5, South Seberang Perai hardly bat an eyelid whenever their taps run dry.

According to Taman Seruling Emas committee chairman G. Ramakrishna, affected residents of Taman Seruling Emas, Taman Widuri, Kampung Sungai Duri, Kampung Sungai Baong and Permatang Ara, all located in the Sungai Jawi area, have long disregarded the Penang Water Supply Corporation's (PBAPP) explanation of the issue as a mere excuse.

He said PBAPP's claim that the disruptions were due to the re-distribution of water resources to housing projects and industrial areas simply does not hold water.

"It is a pre-condition for any new project, that the developer must identify sufficient water resources, which is subsequently approved by PBAPP, before planning permission is granted.

"Excuses such as a spike in water demand due to school holidays or festive seasons are also given by PBAPP but it is viewed as unprofessional," he told reporters after holding a peaceful assembly at the Penang State Assembly grounds today.

He and some 30 residents had earlier handed over a memorandum on the issue to state government representatives.

Ramakrishna said the frequent water disruptions that have occurred since 2019 had become increasingly critical in the residential areas over the past few months.

"The longest period of water disruption was during Chinese New Year for 15 hours and on the third day of Raya this year, it reached up to 20 hours," he said.

He added that the average water supply only flowed from 1 am to 6 am last week.

Resident Nurulniza Zaini, 44, said she had to change her daily routine by sleeping early and waking up between 1 am and 2 am to wash clothes, wash dishes and do other household chores before the water supply was cut off again before 6am.

"Sometimes at 4.30 am, the water starts dripping slowly and before dawn, the water is gone. We do have a water catchment tank but it is not enough because the period to store water is very short.

"Water tanks are provided but they are quite far from houses and the routine of hauling water home is very tiring. In short, this water problem is very burdensome for consumers," she said. -- Bernama