BUTTERWORTH, January 25 – Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced today that efforts to repair the leak in the 1,350-millimeter underwater pipe in Sungai Perai are progressing, with the work expected to be completed by 4 pm. Despite the challenges faced by divers dealing with the strong current at the river’s bottom, they have successfully clamped the upper part of the leaking pipe.
The focus now shifts to clamping the lower part to meet the scheduled completion time. Chow emphasized that they remain on track with Plan A and, once completed, will swiftly move to implement Plan B, involving the installation of new 600mm pipe channels to restore water supply to affected areas. Yesterday, Chow warned that if Plan A fails, approximately 120,000 water users in the Southwest area and some in the Northeast could experience disruptions for up to a week.
The recent leak, the third occurrence in Sungai Perai, prompted urgent measures, including the temporary replacement pipe installation method. This temporary solution, expected to be completed by February 2, will serve for at least eight months while waiting for the permanent replacement pipe project at the river’s bottom.
