Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (fourth from right) looking at the dissolved air flotation (DAF) system after launching the new 10MLD treatment module at the Bukit Panchor Water Treatment Plant in Nibong Tebal. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
DAYS before nomination day for the Sungai Bakap by-election, both the Federal and Penang governments set the stage to address the water troubles in the area – on the same day.
The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) announced the completion of the new dissolved air flotation (DAF) water treatment plant in Bukit Panchor, Nibong Tebal, which could produce an additional 10 million litres per day (MLD) to about 1,500 account holders, especially in Sungai Bakap.
The plant is expected to solve water woes in Sungai Bakap, which has been an issue for the past six years.
The RM18.8mil project is aimed at addressing persistent water shortages in areas such as Mukim 5, where the elevation and end-of-pipeline position has been causing slow supply rates.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government also approved RM4bil for the management of water in Perak, with the bulk allocated to the Kerian district and for providing treated water to Seberang Perai in Penang.
He said the government agreed to approve the allocation, which would be implemented through the development of the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP).
The water project, said Anwar, was important for a long-term solution, as it would not only fulfil the needs of the park but also alleviate water woes faced by the agriculture community in Kerian and the treated water issues in south Seberang Perai district, where the Sungai Bakap state seat is located.
