The project, involving the construction of a water supply tank with a 42,000-gallon capacity, is expected to be ready three months ahead of schedule.
Anih Bhd executive director Nik Fauzi Nik Hussein said the project was another initiative undertaken by the East Coast Expressway Phase One (LPT1) aimed at ensuring convenience for commuters.
“The project which commenced in October last year involves the construction of a 11.5km stretch from the Gambang 3 water supply project area owned by Pahang Water Management Bhd (PAIP) to the Gambang R&R stop.
“The tank built to store treated water has the capacity to channel 80,000 gallons of water daily to the Gambang R&R in both directions.”
Nik Fauzi said previously, Anih had to provide a tanker lorry for every R&R stop on a normal day and two tankers for every stop during the festive season or school holidays.
Each tanker, which has a capacity of 7,000 gallons of water, made three trips daily to provide clean water from the water source at the Gambang Toll Plaza.
He said about 4,000 people stopped at the R&R daily but the number increased during festive seasons and school holidays.
“The number increases during the festive seasons with about 14,000 users daily while the water requirements at both sides of the R&R doubled from 40,000 gallons on a normal day.”
Anih has spent RM4.5 million to provide water to the Gambang R&R since 2005, including the construction of a water treatment plant to treat water from nearby lakes.
Masnor Mastor, 39, who frequently stops at the R&R in Gambang, said the initiative by Anih would enable consumers to avoid congestion at the Temerloh R&R.
“I frequently commute from Pekan to Kuala Lumpur for work and often stop at this R&R to go to the toilet, pray and eat. If there is water disruption, especially during peak hours, it is difficult for me and other users,” Masnor said.
Trader Halimah Ahmad, 48, said she and her co-workers currently had to transport water for cooking and to prepare drinks for customers.
“But after the completion of the project, we will not have to worry about transporting water for our food preparation anymore,” she added.