Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) CEO K Pathmanathan said it is due to repairs on a leak in the pipeline near the Seberang Perai Polytechnic college in Permatang Pauh.

He said the repairs, which is estimated to cost RM2 million, will start at 10pm on Oct 4, and is expected to be completed by 10pm the next day.

“In order to carry out the repairs, PBAPP must shut valves along a major 1.2m in diameter treated water pipeline,” he said in a statement.

The main pipeline runs from the Sungai Dua water treatment plant to the Bukit Minyak pumping station.

According to Pathmanathan, the leak was caused by a third-party contractor who had damaged a section of the major pipeline on Sept 19.

He said on-site investigations revealed that the leak was located on a section of the pipeline about 15m below a big monsoon drain.

He added that PBAPP decided to replace the damaged pipeline with a new 180m-long pipeline section because it would be dangerous and time-consuming to try and repair the damaged section itself.

He advised those affected by the water supply disruption to start storing water for use. He said PBAPP will also mobilise water tankers, flexi tanks and static tanks at strategic locations, with details to be provided next week.

The affected areas in SPT are Kuala Juru, Taman Mengkudu, Juru Heights, Taman Cendana, Taman Cendana Indah, Taman Seri Cendana, Taman Cendana Emas, Taman Cendana Permai, IKS Juru, Juru Estate, Kawasan Juru and the Bukit Minyak industrial area.

Other areas in SPT affected by the water supply disruption are JMTI and the factories near to JMTI, Flat Bayu Mutiara, Block Q of Apartment Permata, Juru Depot, Bukit Minyak, Pangsapuri Permata Bandar Perda, Taman Janggus, Taman Maluri, and Taman Pauh Damai.

Meanwhile, all of SPS will be affected except Bukit Panchor, Transkrian, Permatang Tok Mahat, Sungai Acheh, and Sungai Bakau.