By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 28: Sarawak Water will undertake planned repair works on the 1100mm diameter water pipeline at Jalan Matang here from 10pm on Sept 4 (Friday) until 12pm on Sept 5 (Saturday).
According to a statement, the planned intervention follows technical investigations and assessments of a suspected leakon the pipeline, which is located at the road median along Jalan Matang.
“The repair is being undertaken to address the issue in a controlled manner and to reduce the risk of a more serious, unplanned disruption to water supply,” it said.
The 1100mm diameter pipeline is one of Sarawak Water’s main pipelines supplying treatedwater to the Bukit Siol Reservoir, which serves consumers in Kuching, Petra Jaya, and the surrounding areas.
“Due to the located of the pipeline within the road median and restricted working space, extensive and careful preparation is required before the repair can be carried out. This includes excavation works, access for heavy machinery, draining of water from the pipe, traffic management and safety measures for workers and road users.
“Sarawak Water is also coordinating closely with the relevant agencies and utility providers to ensure the repair works can be carried out safely and completed as scheduled,” it said.
During the repair works, consumers in the affected areas are expected to experience low water pressure or temporary water supply interruption.
Areas that may be affected include Bukit Siol Reservoir Tank, Jalan Demak, Jalan Bako, Petra Jaya, Matang (Kubah Ria to Batu 9), Taman Sri Harmoni, Jalan Sultan Tengah, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub, Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhamad Salahudin, Muara Tebas , Kuching City Centre/Kuching Golden Triangle, the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), and surrounding areas.
“Consumers in the affected areas are advised to store sufficient water for at least 24 hours of essential use before the repair works commence, as an early precaution in the event that the works take longer than the stipulated duration due to unforeseen technical issues or site conditions,” it said.
The utility provider said it has put in place contingency measures during the interruption, as water tankers will be mobilised to the affected areas, with priority given to critical facilities and essential needs.
Once the repair works are completed, water supply will be restored gradually. As the distribution system refills, water pressure may take some time to return to normal. Consumers in higher-elevated areas and locations further from the main distribution system may experience a longer recovery period.
Consumers may also experience temporary discoloured water during the recovery period, in which Sarawak Water will carry out flushing works in the affected areas to restore the water quality to normal.
At the same time, to facilitate site preparation, repair works and road reinstatement, a temporary traffic diversion will be implemented from 3 Sept 3 until Sept 12.
“During this period, affected traffic will be diverted via Jalan Matang Bersinar and Jalan Matang Bersinar 3. Motorists are advised to follow the temporary traffic signs and instructions at the site, drive carefully when approaching the work area and plan their journeys accordingly.
“Sarawak Water recognises the inconvenience this planned intervention may cause and appreciates the patience, understanding and cooperation of consumers and road users.
“These works are necessary to safeguard the reliability of this important water supply main, and Sarawak Water teams will work continuously to complete the repair safely and restore water supply as quickly as possible,” it said.
It added that progress updates, including the commencement of works, repair completion, and restoration of water supply, will be communicated through Sarawak Water’s official communication channels. — DayakDaily
