GEORGE TOWN: Major repair and pipe replacement works by Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), carried out following a sinkhole incident along Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim in Sungai Ara, Bayan Lepas, last month, have been completed.
State infrastructure, transport, and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari stated that the road would remain closed for a few more days as reinstatement and resurfacing works at the site are pending.
“IWK has completed the major works, but yesterday (Dec 11), the discovery of a sudden leakage of a pipe belonging to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) at the location meant that workers had to continue with the remaining tasks before the road could be safely reopened.
“So, PBAPP needs to carry out repairs, while IWK continues with several rectification and restoration works in the area. Therefore, the stretch must remain closed until everything is fully completed,” he told reporters after the Gurney Bridge launching ceremony here on Friday (Dec 12).
Zairil said the Public Works Department has informed that the road will remain closed until Dec 17 and has advised road users and nearby residents to be patient and exercise caution throughout the closure period.
Earlier, it was reported that the sinkhole that formed along Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim on Nov 4 was believed to have been caused by a leaking pipe, resulting in underground water seepage in the area.
Previously, a video circulating on social media showed a sinkhole near the road junction, raising public concern about safety risks at the location.
The sinkhole, which appeared in front of SMK Sungai Ara, measured 5m in length, 3.5m in width, and 1.9m in diameter.
