KUCHING, Feb 13: Michael Kong Feng Nian, a special assistant to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, is urging Kuching Water Board (KWB) to take immediate action to address a burst water pipe at Lorong Lapangan Terbang 5.
Kong said the incident which happened yesterday morning (Feb 12) marked the fourth time in recent years, which have become a pressing concern for local residents.
He said that KWB’s technicians have attributed these frequent leakages to the aging asbestos piping infrastructure in the area, warning that further incidents are likely without proactive intervention.
“While short-term measures, such as the immediate installation of a 15.8-feet-long water pipe to replace the leaking segment, have been implemented to restore water supply by this afternoon (Feb 13), these stop-gap solutions are insufficient in addressing the root cause of the problem.
“To safeguard the long-term integrity of the water supply infrastructure and mitigate the risk of future pipe bursts, it is imperative that KWB undertake decisive action to completely replace the outdated pipeline serving Lorong Lapangan Terbang 5,” he said in a statement today.
Given the rapid growth of residential developments within the vicinity, Kong also said it is essential to upgrade the size of the existing 6-inch water pipe to one of 10-inch diameter.
“This will not only ensure adequate water supply to meet the needs of the growing community but also minimise the likelihood of disruptive interruptions in the future.
In light of the recurring nature of the water leakages, swift action must be taken to address this pressing issue and provide residents with the assurance of a dependable water supply.
“DAP will continue to work closely with KWB to ensure that the needs and interests of residents are prioritised and addressed,” he added. — DayakDaily
