GEORGE TOWN: Some 97,000 water accounts managed by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) on the mainland will face interruptions next Friday.
The disruption is necessary to facilitate the commissioning of a new RM2 million pipeline section near the Politeknik Seberang Prai campus in Permatang Pauh, aimed at addressing a recent mishap affecting water supply services in the area.
Affected regions include parts of the Seberang Prai Tengah district and nearly the entire Seberang Prai Selatan district.
PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said that the final connection and commissioning of the new pipeline section was scheduled to be completed within 24 hours, starting from 10pm on Oct 4 until 10pm on Oct 5.
"To carry out this work, PBAPP must shut valves along a major 1.2-meter-diameter treated water pipeline, which will result in a 24-hour scheduled water supply interruption (SWSI) in some areas of Seberang Prai," he said in a statement today.
He said that a third-party contractor inadvertently damaged a section of the major pipeline near the Politeknik Seberang Prai campus last Thursday.
Investigations revealed that the leak is located about 15 metres beneath a large monsoon drain, making it difficult, dangerous, and time-consuming to dig deep for repairs.
"To address this, PBAPP has decided to replace the damaged pipeline section with a new 180-metre-long segment," he added.
In light of the upcoming interruption, Pathmanathan urged all affected consumers to store enough water for the 24-hour duration of the SWSI.
PBAPP will also deploy water tankers, flexi tanks, and static tanks at strategic locations, which will be announced later through social media updates.
"PBAPP apologises for the inconveniences caused. However, it is essential that we respond as swiftly and effectively as possible. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all affected consumers in Seberang Prai," he said.