(From left)Jaseni and Chow checking on the progress of the two projects to increase the capacity of the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant in Penang. — Photo by Buletin Mutiara
Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) will speed up two projects to increase the capacity of the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to meet increasing consumer demand.
Its chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa said the two projects were Phase Two sedimentation tank upgrades and Package 12A, which is an additional water treatment module.
“Phase Two, which began in October 2020, involves the upgrading of six sedimentation tanks in stages.
“Four tanks have been upgraded and are now functioning optimally.
“When all six tanks are fully operational in October this year, the water treatment output of the Sungai Dua WTP will increase by 30 million litres per day (MLD),” he said during the launch of the newly renovated administration centre at the Sungai Dua WTP in Penang.
As for Package 12A, which started in March this year, work is in progress to build the treatment module, which will increase the maximum design capacity of the Sungai Dua WTP by 114 MLD.
“When these two projects are fully commissioned by December 2023, the Sungai Dua WTP output will be increased by 144 MLD,” he said.
Jaseni told Buletin Mutiara that PBAPP was working hard to complete both projects to prevent widespread water supply interruptions caused by escala- ting demand.
“In 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic, the average water consumption in Penang was 843 MLD.
“However, in May 2022, the consumption rose sharply to 945 MLD,” he said.
Jaseni also said while it was an abnormal increase, PBAPP had no choice but to strive towards meeting Penang’s higher water demand.
“PBAPP is duty bound to implement the most cost-effective and fastest solutions possible,” he said.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also PBAPP chairman, took part in the launch of the renovated administration centre.
He said the renovation work cost RM2.73mil.
“The cost is justified considering that this is the first time in 49 years that PBAPP has comprehensively renovated its centre and it is needed for the Sungai Dua WTP to be managed efficiently.
“It plays a leading role in allowing PBAPP to produce the cheapest possible treated water in Penang,” he said.
Chow added that the renovated administration centre was equipped with a special lift and toilets for disabled visitors.
“It has an environment-friendly design that allows natural lighting to enter various spaces, thereby reducing lighting costs.
“There is an open area to support natural air flow that reduces air-conditioning costs,” he said.
