GEORGE TOWN: The state government has reminded the Penang Water Supply Corporation to prioritise three key matters on its "to do list" with regard to the four-day water supply disruption beginning tomorrow.
The three are to get the engineering work done in 24 hours, to stick to the water supply recovery schedule and to keep the public informed.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government expected the PBAPP to stick to its plan on water supply engineering works.
He said PBAPP must complete all work related to the replacement of two units of 1.2m control valves at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP), as well as 22 other preventive maintenance projects, as scheduled.
"In this case, on schedule means in 24 hours, by 6am on Thursday. Unless there is a major mishap, we want PBAPP to stick to its own four-stage water supply targets as publicised," he said during a visit to the Sungai Dua WTP.
PBAPP has finalised preparations to temporarily shut down the Sungai Dua WTP, Penang's largest and most important WTP, from 6am tomorrow.
This shutdown will cause a scheduled water supply interruption (SWSI) that will affect about 590,000 consumers in Seberang Prai and Penang Island.(Hyperlink: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/999036/pbapp-fully-prepared-t...).
Elaborating, Chow said about 33 per cent of the 590,000 affected consumers, mainly in Seberang Prai would receive water supply on Friday.
He said about 84 per cent, mainly in Seberang Prai and Penang island, would get the water supply on Saturday.
"Some 15.5 per cent, mainly in the southwest district and Penang island, will get the water supply on Sunday.
"The remaining 0.5 per cent (End-of-Line and High Ground Neighbourhoods in the southern areas of Penang island) will get their water supply (after that)," he added.
Chow also told PBAPP to post at least three updates daily on the progress of work and the water supply recovery process.
"Issue mass media releases as required. Report issues and challenges, if any, without fear or favour. If there is going to be a delay or set-back, PBAPP should announce it promptly," he said.
Chow said, while they acknowledged and took note of all the criticisms from individuals and organisations, the state executive council stood by its decision to authorise PBAPP to proceed with the SWSI tomorrow.
"I believe the PBAPP team represents the best and most qualified team of people in Penang today to carry out the urgent public water works for the benefit of the people in the long run.
"I am currently serving Penang as its fifth chief minister. Like my predecessors, I am placing my trust on water supply engineers to resolve water supply issues for the people of Penang," he said, reminding PBAPP to get the job done properly and safely.