April 24 water cut: Store 48-hours' worth of water, everybody

PUTRAJAYA: Store 48-hours' worth of water supply – this is the advice Pengurusan Air Selangor has for the over 620,000 households in Klang Valley who will be facing the biggest water cut in the state's history.

The taps are expected to run dry for 86 hours beginning April 24.

"Consumers are advised to store two days' worth of water supply during this period.

"Although the water disruption is expected to last for 86 hours, we expect water supply to resume to 50% of the affected areas within 24-hours of repair works being done," said Air Selangor chief executive officer Suhaimi Kamaralzaman during a press conference at the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) on Friday (April 19).

He said some 82 waters tankers, 17 jumbo water tankers and 160 static water tanks would be deployed during the disruption period.

"The water tankers will be deployed on April 24 to critical sites such as hospitals and medical and haemodialysis centres.

"However, consumers can request for water in case of emergencies such as to facilitate weddings celebrations or funerals," he added.

Suhaimi said those in the manufacturing sectors might want to source their own water supply during this period.

A total of 620,835 accounts or 4,143,465 consumers in 577 areas in the districts of Klang, Shah Alam, Petaling, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Langat and Kuala Selangor will be affected by the disruption in water supply.

Meanwhile, SPAN chairman Charles Santiago said the water disruption was unavoidable due to the critical situation at the Selangor River Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant (LRA SSP2), which required immediate attention.

"It is critical that urgent repair works are done immediately to avoid an explosion at the plant," he said.

According to Santiago, this was due to the deterioration in the plant's 32-kilowatt electrical cable and water piping systems.

He said Air Selangor had notified SPAN of the situation on March 27, with SPAN approving the repair works on April 10 following its own an investigations.

He noted that plans were made last December for repair works to commnece in July. However, the current situation warranted immediate action by Air Selangor.

If there was an explosion at the plants, he said, the disruption would be worse owing to the approaching May 1 holiday and the coming fasting month and Hari Raya festivities.