JOHOR BARU: Households in districts facing disruptions will enjoy uninterrupted water supply during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, thanks to proactive measures taken in advance.
State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor has given his assurance to households that clean water supply would not be interrupted during the festive period, as Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd would place 53 static tanks with a 500-gallon capacity, while seven Syarikat Air Johor (SAJ) tanker trucks would be mobilised to replenish them.
An inline injection pump operation using tanker trucks to directly supply water into a reticulation system, which consist a network of underground and overhead pipes, were implemented as a short-term solution.
While Menteri Besar Johor Dato Onn Hafiz Ghazi has allocated funds through the Bukit Permai state assembly service centre for 120 water tanks to be distributed among residents in Murni Jaya, Kulai.
However, the residents are encouraged to store up water as usage typically increases during festive seasons.
Jafni said long-term solutions were underway to solve the long-standing water supply issues in Kulai and its surrounding areas.
Several housing areas were plagued with water supply and low water pressure issues more than 10 years.
The root of the problem lies with the Sembrong Water Treatment Plant structure and its extensive pipeline network.
The plant supplies water to households in Layang-Layang, Felda Bukit Permai, Murni Jaya, Kampung Sungai Leban, Kampung Sungai Sayong 1 and 2, Kampung Sri Muar and Kampung Agas.
Jafni, who visited the water treatment plant and households in Felda Bukit Permai and Kampung Sri Muar today, said houses in elevated areas were experiencing frequent water disruptions.
Residents in Murni Jaya, also grappled with water supply issues for more than 10 years.
The source of the problem was attributed to a portion of the pipeline spanning over 35km along the varied topography, which contributed to losses in water pressure up to 15 metres.
The pipeline structures were "bottlenecked", thus impeded water flow to areas like Murni Jaya and Layang-Layang.
Jafni said Ranhill SAJ had implemented initiatives to address the issue permanently.
He said short-term remedies, such as replacement water tanks, mobile tanker trucks and a reticulation system, would ensure uninterrupted water supply during Aidilfitri.
Among the long-term solutions is the upgrading pipeline work, which costs more than RM8.2million.
He said pontoon pumps (floatation devices) would be installed at the Sembrong West plant, costing RM1.2million, to increase the Mengkibol water tank levels and boost water pressure at Layang-Layang and Felda Bukit Permai.
He added that the pump installation would take time, pending the Irrigation and Drainage Department's approval.
The main pipes along the Kluang-Renggam route will be replaced and are set to completed by June.
The RM3 million project will ensure dedicated water supply to Bukit Permai, Renggam and Layang-Layang.
Jafni said the installation of RM4 million worth of booster pumps, which will increase water pressure at the Mengkibol tank to ensure hilly areas in Murni Jaya and Layang-Layang get adequate water supply, was almost 90 per cent completed.