By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 10: Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd has commenced temporary repair and reinstatement works on the affected 1,050mm mild steel cement-lined (MSCL) pipeline at Jalan Haji Baki, Batu Kitang, in a bid to restore the water supply system to normal operational condition as soon as possible, while a permanent pipeline diversion will only be implemented at a later stage following detailed technical and engineering assessments.
The utility company said the emergency works were necessitated by a pipe burst caused by a landslide in the area, which also led to a road shoulder embankment failure along the Jalan Batu Kitang–Jalan Haji Baki stretch.
According to Sarawak Water, preparatory and risk mitigation measures were carried out ahead of the repair works, including site clearing completed on Friday (Jan 9) to provide safe access for construction and repair activities.
On the same night, a temporary road diversion coordinated by the Public Works Department (JKR) was put in place to ensure traffic flow and public safety.
The temporary repair and reinstatement works officially began today, with Sarawak Water emphasising that the priority is to reinstate system integrity and supply reliability while minimising disruption to consumers.
However, the utility cautioned that the repair works are highly weather-dependent. In the event of heavy rainfall, works may have to be temporarily suspended due to increased safety risks, including ground instability and the possibility of further landslide movement.
“All works are being carried out in strict accordance with engineering best practices, safety protocols and operational control requirements,” it said in a press statement issued today.
Sarawak Water also clarified that a permanent diversion of the 1,050mm MSCL pipeline will be undertaken at a later stage, subject to comprehensive technical studies and engineering assessments to ensure long-term safety and system reliability.
Members of the public have been urged to remain patient and cooperative as the essential works continue, with Sarawak Water assuring that further updates will be provided as the situation develops. — DayakDaily
