PERAI, January 20 – Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) is strategically orchestrating the “shortest and least inconvenient” scheduled water supply interruption (SWSI) to facilitate the connection of two 600mm pipelines at Sungai Perai. This move is in response to the need to replace a leaking 1,350mm underwater pipeline section. PBAPP’s recommendations for the SWSI are set to be presented to the Penang State Executive Council on January 24, 2024.
The proposed date(s) will hinge on factors such as the projected duration of diversion works, the earliest notice to affected consumers, and considerations related to the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations from February 10, 2024. The scheduled water supply interruption aims to address the risks associated with the current leakage of 154 million litres per day from the underwater pipeline. By commissioning the two 600mm pipelines above the waterline, PBAPP aims to decommission the problematic underwater pipeline.
This interim solution is designed to prevent potential disruptions to water supply for around 120,000 consumers, primarily in Daerah Barat Daya on Penang Island. Simultaneously, PBAPP is seeking approval to commence work on a new 1350mm “river-crossing pipeline” with its supporting structure, considered a permanent solution to ensure sustained water supply security. The targeted timeframe for implementing the “river crossing pipeline” solution is 4 to 6 months, prioritizing water supply needs and safeguarding the interests of Penang water consumers.
In a related development, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow disclosed that the diversion of a ruptured pipe under Sungai Perai would necessitate a temporary water cut affecting approximately 120,000 users on Penang Island, particularly in the Southwest district. The cut is part of the ongoing efforts to address the repeated ruptures in the pipe supplying treated water from Butterworth to a significant portion of the island. Despite the previous repairs, the pipe had given way three times in the past two months. The upcoming water cut is expected to last 16 hours, with supply resuming in less than a day as diversion work progresses.
