THE Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) said it has set a four-stage plan to ensure its 590,000 consumers affected by disruptions from January 10 to 14 would have their supply restored on schedule.

Its chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said in the first stage, the aim was for 33% (197,025 consumers) in Seberang Perai Tengah and Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS), including major non-domestic users in Butterworth, to have their supply restored within 48 hours.

In the second phase, it was for 88% (495,065 consumers in SPS) and the island, including major domestic users in George Town and the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone, to have their supply restored within 72 hours

“In the third stage, the objective is to gradually provide water to 99% of consumers in all affected areas in Seberang Perai and (the island) within 96 hours, while the fourth stage will focus on localised recovery efforts for the remaining 1% of consumers situated at the end of distribution pipelines and in elevated areas.

“The restoration process will occur gradually over 48 to 96 hours, taking into account factors such as proximity to the Sungai Dua water treatment plant and key water supply infrastructure such as treated water reservoirs and pumping stations in areas like Batu Kawan, Bukit Minyak, Bukit Dumbar and Bukit Gedung,” he told a presser at the Sungai Dua water treatment plant today.

Pathmanathan said tankers would be sent to affected areas from January 10 to ensure consumers receive adequate water supply, and static tanks would be placed in some areas.

On Monday, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the deployment of 55 tankers and 60 static tanks.

Water disruptions are set to affect 590,000 people in Penang from 6am on January 10 to 6am on January 14, covering more than 50 areas in Seberang Perai and almost the entire island. – Bernama, December 13, 2023.