GEORGE TOWN: Manufacturers in Penang have been recommended to implement contingency plans by providing additional tanks in preparation for the four-day scheduled water supply disruption next month.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he has taken note of the concerns raised by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), which is worried that the water supply cut from Jan 10-14 would disrupt industrial operations in the state.
However, Chow said the replacement of the 1,200 millimetre (mm) diameter valve at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (LRA) had to be carefully done and completed to avoid the risk of greater damage, thus causing more serious problems, should it be delayed.
“This (valve replacement) involves big-scale maintenance but I have told the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to do its best to speed up the repairs so that water supply can be restored immediately to consumers, including manufacturers.
“Our objective is to ensure over 50 per cent of the 590,000 affected consumers will get back their water supply in stages within 72 hours.
In addition, I have asked the PBAPP to restore water supply to non-domestic consumers in Batu Kawan, Bukit Minyak, Butterworth, Perai, George Town areas and the Bayan Lepas free trade zone (FTZ) as soon as possible,” he told reporters at a media conference, which was also attended by PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan, here today.
Earlier, the media reported FMM Penang chairman Datuk Seri Lee Teong Li’s concerns that the impending 96-hour scheduled water supply cut would disrupt industrial operations and lead to huge losses to the industry and manufacturing sector workers.
Chow said that factories have 48-hour water storage and that is why the one-month notice was issued to enable them to provide temporary additional tanks while waiting for the water supply to be restored and to use water sparingly during that period.
He also said that during the water disruption period, PBAPP will send 55 water tankers to the affected areas on a scheduled basis.
“In addition, we have also sought the assistance of neighbouring states to help send water supply here,” he said, adding that 60 static tanks would be placed in certain areas to facilitate consumers to get water supply.
Chow explained that PBABB will announce the latest development from time to time, with the number of tanks possibly being increased according to needs.
The PBAPP had earlier announced that 590,000 consumers in Penang will experience scheduled water supply disruption from 6 am on Jan 10 until 6 am on Jan 14 next year, involving over 50 areas in Seberang Perai and nearly all areas on the island.
This is to make way for repair works at the Sungai Dua LRA involving the replacement of two valves in the main treated water pipe within and near the LRA fence, in addition to maintenance work at 22 other locations statewide.–Bernama
