By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 11: Several areas here will face low water pressure or temporary water supply disruption from 9pm on Aug 13 to 8am on Aug 14 due to pipeline repair works along Jalan Matang–Batu Kawa.
In a statement today, Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (SWSB) Southern Region Office said the affected areas include Jalan Matang (Kubah Ria to Mile 9), Taman Sri Harmoni, Jalan Sungai Tengah, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub, Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin, Jalan Demak, Jalan Bako, Muara Tebas, Petra Jaya, and surrounding Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) areas.
The works follow a 750mm diameter Mild Steel Cement Lined (MSCL) pumping main burst along Jalan Matang–Batu Kawa near Emart Moyan on Aug 6, the first-ever incident involving this pipe, which disrupted treated water supply to Batu Kawa, Moyan, Jalan Batu Kawa–Malihah, Matang Jaya, Petra Jaya, Demak Laut, JBALB Semariang and nearby areas.
SWSB said its team responded promptly to isolate the leak, preventing further damage to the roadway, underground utilities, and infrastructure.
Repair works were completed on Aug 7, ahead of schedule, followed by immediate flushing to restore clean water supply to affected areas.
Unscheduled repairs on a separate 1,100mm-diameter MSCL pumping main at Jalan Matang, near Taman Heng Guan, which were temporarily halted at 3.30am on Aug 6 due to dewatering challenges, site conditions, and technical constraints, will resume once all preparatory work is completed.
“The pipeline was dislocated, with welding completed on approximately three-quarters of its circumference. Persistent leakage at the bottom section requires full rectification,” SWSB explained.
To minimise delays, the office has locally fabricated the necessary fittings and is working on-site.
Both pumping mains supply directly to the Bukit Siol reservoir, with reservoir levels at Bukit Siol, Datu Muda, Pending and Mile 9 3/4 being built up to satisfactory levels to prevent widespread water pressure issues during repairs.
Water tankers will be mobilised to affected areas, and consumers are advised to store sufficient water ahead of the scheduled repair window.
“We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period,” SWSB said, assuring that efforts are being made to minimise disruptions and restore stable supply. — DayakDaily
