PBAPP CEO K Pathmanathan said the 10 million litres a day (MLD) plant, which commenced operations in December, has notably reduced complaints from 1,500 household and commercial consumers facing intermittent water disruptions.
“Those who continue to face problems are those in higher grounds and end-of-line areas, and we expect to resolve this soon,” he told reporters at the opening of the Bukit Panchor dissolved air flotation type (DAF) plant here.
According to Pathmanathan, previously most parts of Seberang Perai Selatan relied on a pipeline from a source some 50km north in Butterworth.
He said that the water supply via this channel had become strained due to the increased demand following rapid local development in recent years.
He added that the Bukit Panchor DAF plant, initiated jointly by the state government and PBAPP a year ago, was designed to rectify this situation.
Pathmanathan also noted that post-implementation, the plant required an adjustment phase to fully supplant the previous water supply from Butterworth, involving meticulous valve adjustments across the various towns in the district.
To ensure enough supply, he said another “compact” water plant was being built along Penang’s side of Sungai Kerian, and that it will cost RM4 million and add 2.4 MLD to the water supply.
Currently, Seberang Perai Selantan requires 195 MLD and the RM171 million Sungai Kerian water treatment plant slated for completion by 2028 is expected to further boost the supply.
Pathmanathan said a RM31 million upgrade to the main Butterworth water plant is nearing completion and set to benefit the district in the coming months.
“We are supplying 195 MLD to Seberang Perai Selatan today and exactly 195 MLD is being consumed,” he said.
Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the opening of the Bukit Panchor plant earlier, said the new facility proves Penang’s commitment to addressing issues in Seberang Perai and Sungai Bakap.
“I ask for the patience, understanding and support from everyone here on what the company is doing,” he said in his speech.