By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 7: The Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd Southern Regional Office has temporarily halted repair works on the 1100mm Mild Steel Cement Lined (MSCL) pumping main at Jalan Matang, near Taman Heng Guan, as of 3.30am today, citing dewatering difficulties, unfavourable site conditions, and technical complications.
In a statement, the water authority stated that the repair work, initially expected to be completed by 7am today, faced a major setback when inspections revealed a dislocated pipe caused by earth settlement.
Although three-quarters of the pipe’s circumference were successfully welded, leakage persists at the bottom section, requiring further work.
“Repair activities will resume once all necessary preparations and safety measures are in place,” the office said in an 8am update.
Adding to the complexity, both sides of the repair site are flanked by Sarawak Energy cables. As such, extreme care is required to prevent cable damage and ensure worker safety during the ongoing repair operations.
Yesterday (Aug 6), Sarawak Water warned that residents in the following areas are expected to experience low water pressure or a complete water supply disruption:
- Jalan Matang (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
- Petra Jaya
- Surrounding JBALB areas
The agency also advised consumers that airlocks and discoloured water (dirty water) may occur during the recovery period once water supply resumes.
Water tankers have been mobilised to assist affected residents. Consumers are strongly advised to store sufficient water during this unplanned extension of the scheduled repair period.
“We remain committed to minimising disruptions and ensuring repairs are completed efficiently. We thank the public for their patience and understanding as we work to stabilise this critical infrastructure,” the statement read. — DayakDaily
