GEORGE TOWN: Dangerous river conditions have slowed down underwater pipeline repair works at the Prai River, says the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).
PBAPP said the normalisation of water supply to 95% of 200,000 water consumers affected by the water supply interruption was re-scheduled to between noon and 1pm on Thursday (Dec 21).
ALSO READ: Braving the murky depths
"PBAPP apologises for all inconveniences caused.
"Since 9pm last night, the dive team working in Sungai Perai has been facing fast flowing water and murky conditions under the surface," it said in a Facebook post Thursday.
PBAPP said these conditions stopped work for about two hours last night and are slowing down work progress.
ALSO READ: 200,000 consumers in Penang hit by water cut due to burst pipe in Sg Perai
It said due to safety considerations, the specialist dive team cannot work as scheduled when conditions are unfavourable.
It said at this point in time, it is uncertain when the river conditions will improve.
PBAPP, however, said the divers will continue to strive to work overnight.
ALSO READ: Repairs on burst pipe in Prai River under way after divers assess damage
Several areas in Butterworth, Ampang Jajar, Sungai Dua, the north-east district and the entire south-west district of Penang were affected after a section of pipe measuring 1.35m laid across the bottom of the Prai River burst on Monday (Dec 18) morning.
Two commercial divers were hired to check the turbid waters of the Prai River to determine the scale of the damage to the water pipe.
