Water disruption in 35 areas in southern Penang island

 

Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), in a statement, said the water disruption was caused by a technical fault in the handling of the valve replacement works at the Sungai Dua water treatment plant (WTP). -NSTP file pic

GEORGE TOWN: About 35 areas in southern Penang island were hit by unexpected water disruption since early this morning.

Among the affected areas were Gelugor, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Batu Uban, Jalan Sungai Dua, Jalan Kampung Jawa, Kawasan Perindustrian FTZ/ FIZ, Jalan Tengah, Taman Pekaka, Jalan Aziz Ibrahim, Bukit Jambul and Bayan Baru.

Also affected were the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, Pulau Jerejak, Penang International Airport, Bayan Lepas, Persiaran Mayang Pasir, Taman Bukit Dumbar, Batu Maung, Teluk Kumbar, Bukit Gedung, Balik Pulau and Jalan Tun Dr Awang.

Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), in a statement, said the water disruption was caused by a technical fault in the handling of the valve replacement works at the Sungai Dua water treatment plant (WTP).

"As a result of the technical issue in the handling of the valve replacement works at the Sungai Dua WTP, it caused water disruption in the southern part of Penang island.

"The increase in raw water turbidity in Lahar Tiang following flash floods in Baling impacted the works being carried out.

"As a result, PBAPP decided to delay the valve replacement works and reconnect the water supply," it said.

PBAPP said the water supply in the affected area would return in stages by noon.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused," it added.

Meanwhile, netizens caught unaware, have taken to social media to voice their frustration over the unexpected water disruption.

Many hit out at PBAPP, saying that it should have alerted yesterday of a possible disruption today.

It was reported before this that about 197,851 consumers in Seberang Prai would be affected by a 48-hour scheduled water supply disruption starting yesterday until tomorrow.

PBAPP had said that it would be shutting down part of the Sungai Dua WTP to facilitate damaged 1350 millimetres (mm) and 1200 mm diameter valve replacement works.

Apart from replacing the valves, PBAPP would also carry out other works at the same time to avoid repeated disruption of water supply to the same area if done separately.

The works involved the repair of a 1200 mm diameter pipe in Permatang Ara and maintenance works by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) at the Bukit Minyak pump station. - NST