A dry new year for Penang

GEORGE TOWN: Thousands of Penangites will have to suffer a dry start to the new year.

There will be no water supply in much of the state – both on the island and mainland – for four days in January, while many other areas will have low water pressure.

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There will be a 96-hour water supply disruption from Jan 10 to 14 due to valve replacement work at the Sungai Dua water treatment plant and other repair works at several locations along the main pipeline.

“We urge consumers to prepare in advance by storing enough water to face this disruption,” said Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) in a statement.“We will provide notifications about assistance and other support during the water supply interruption,” it said in a statement which also included maps of the affected areas.

It also said a press conference would be held today to furnish further details.

Consumers were left shocked by the announcement of a four-day water cut.

Food shop operator Shaiful Isa, 41, who runs a popular eatery in Campbell Street said it would be difficult to do business with no water for four days.

“There have been times when we did not have water, but we managed because it was for a short period. This is ridiculous. We can manage for two days, but four are just too many,” he said, adding that his outlet was open all day.Closing shop would mean heavy losses, as he sees a good crowd especially at night.

Lam Ha Lin, 40, who runs a noodle stall, also said it would be a disaster if the cut lasted four days.

“I need water to make soup and clean up. Closing my stall would mean heavy losses. A day or so is manageable. I cannot imagine how many containers I will need. I am sure people will also be rushing to the supermarket to stock up,” he said.

PBAPP serves 676,857 consumers in Penang and nearly 70% of them depend on treated water from the Sungai Dua water treatment plant. The state has dealt with several water issues in the recent years, especially due to problems in Sungai Muda.

To overcome the problems Penang recently reached an understanding with Perak to buy treated water.

For details on the water disruptions, contact the PBAPP’s 24-hour call centre at 04-255 8255.