GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is considering two options to ensure that some 200,000 water consumers facing a water supply disruption following a sudden mishap in Sungai Prai yesterday get their supply as soon as possible.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the first option involved repairing the leaked 1,350mm underwater pipeline section, which is expected to take 24 to 48 hours.
"Divers, who have been mobilised, will assess to see if repair can be done.
"If suitable, the work can be completed within 24 to 48 hours. This is our first option," he said after inspecting Sungai Prai late last night.
It was reported that some 200,000 consumers in the southwest district of Penang Island and several areas in Seberang Prai would experience an unscheduled disruption to their water supply.
This followed a sudden mishap in Sungai Prai.
The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) said it had detected a sudden major leak on the 1,350mm underwater pipeline section.
According to Chow, the second option is to expedite the installation of an alternative pipe, which is currently underway and is expected to take five or six days.
"The work is being carried out, and it is expected to take another five to six days to complete the diversion and connection of replacement pipes so that the water supply can be connected to users," he said.
Chow, also the PBAPP chairman, said once the assessment has been made, he would inform water consumers about the option to fix the leakage problem.
"Only after the assessment will we know whether we can repair the underwater pipe leakage or we need to speed up the work on the diversion pipe so that it can be completed earlier," he added.
Meanwhile, Chow said PBAPP had also mobilised tanker trucks to supply water to affected users in the southwest district.
"While waiting for the repair work to be completed, PBAPP has mobilised tankers, static tanks, and volunteer fire brigades to assist the affected water consumers," he said.