By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 21: The Kuching Water Board (KWB) will carry out a second attempt to repair the leaking 1,400mm pumping main at Jalan Highfield Light Industrial–Jalan Batu Kawa starting at 9pm on May 23, after initial works failed due to incompatible materials with the aging infrastructure.
According to a KWB press release, repair works are expected to be completed by 7am on May 24.
“KWB is aware of the ongoing leak affecting the 1400mm diameter pumping main at Jalan Highfield Light Industrial–Jalan Batu Kawa.
“A comprehensive site assessment has been completed, which includes detailed mapping of the pipeline and identification of major underground utilities in the vicinity,” the press release stated.
KWB added that the critical pipeline, in service for over 30 years, supplies approximately 170 million litres per day (MLD), representing about 20 per cent of Kuching’s total treated water production of 778 MLD.
It serves key areas such as Matang Jaya, Petra Jaya, Demak Laut, and Semariang, including zones under the jurisdiction of the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and surrounding communities.
“Initial repair works began on April 18. However, the works were halted due to incompatibility between the supplied materials and the aging infrastructure.
“To avoid extended delays, KWB has taken proactive steps to fabricate the required fittings locally, circumventing the longer lead times typically required for sourcing from West Malaysia.
“With the necessary materials now ready, the second attempt at repair has been scheduled to commence from 9pm on May 23 and is expected to be completed by 7am on May 24,” said KWB.
Due to the upcoming works, consumers in the following areas may experience low water pressure or water supply interruption: Jalan Matang (from Kubah Ria to Batu 9), Taman Sri Harmoni, Jalan Sungai Tengah, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub, Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhamad Salahudin, Jalan Demak, Jalan Bako, Muara Tebas, and surrounding Petra Jaya areas including JBALB zones.
KWB also cautioned that low water pressure, airlocks and discoloured (dirty) water may occur during the recovery period.
Water tankers will be mobilised to affected areas, and residents are advised to store enough water in advance.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the issue swiftly and with minimal disruption, and will continue to monitor the situation closely. — DayakDaily
