By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 24: Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd and CRBC (M) Holdings Sdn Bhd, the joint venture company undertaking works for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), have apologised to residents and businesses in Kuching affected by the recent water supply disruption in Jalan Canna, saying the damage to a deep underground pipe was an unforeseeable incident.
The disruption occurred on Sept 22 when a 600mm ductile iron water pipe, buried about four metres underground, was accidentally struck during piling works for the KUTS Blue Line – Package 2.
The joint venture explained that the pipe’s unusual depth made it undetectable by standard scanning methods, which are typically calibrated for pipelines located within a one-metre cover.
“Despite thorough preparation, including underground detection mapping, joint inspections with Sarawak Water, and pilot trenching, the actual alignment and depth of the pipe differed from available records, resulting in an unforeseen clash beyond the contractor’s control,” the companies said in a statement today.
Piling works were halted immediately after the incident, and Sarawak Water was notified. The affected area was secured while rectification works were carried out under the supervision of the water authority.
Water supply was progressively restored after remedial works were completed on Sept 23.
Perbena Emas and CRBC stressed that the inconvenience caused was “deeply regrettable” and expressed gratitude to the public for their patience and understanding.
The joint venture added that it remains committed to the highest standards of safety and diligence, and will continue strengthening procedures in close coordination with authorities to minimise the risk of similar incidents in future. — DayakDaily
