Consumers To Expect 24-Hour Water Supply Disruption As Main Pipe Repair Works Begin On June 10
MIRI: Repair works on the main water supply pipe at Mile 7, Miri–Bintulu Road will be carried out this June 10 starting from 5.00 pm, with water supply disruptions and recovery expected to take up to 24 hours.
Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, said the execution of these works is a planned measure resulting from continuous technical monitoring after a minor leak was detected along the main pipeline alignment in the area.
He said the water supply disruptions, low pressure, and delayed recovery would affect several areas around Miri, involving the 750 mm MSCL and 1100 mm DICL main pipeline alignments.
“The exact location of the leaking pipe will be identified on June 10 after investigations and technical assessments are completed. Following that, the technical team will confirm whether the leak involves the 750 mm or the 1100 mm pipe,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after inspecting the main pipe at Mile 7, Miri-Bintulu Road on Friday.
Among the areas expected to be affected by the pipe repair works are Taman Jelita, Taman Tunku, Jalan Ekabang, Sungai Daing, the Eastwood area, Hilltop, Riam, and Taman Delight.
Meanwhile, areas affected by the 1100 mm DICL pipe repair works include Krokop/Jeefoh, Jalan Bulan Sabit, Piasau, Pulau Melayu/Bayshore, Pujut, Vista Perdana, Desa Bahagia, Permyjaya/Desa Pujut, Desa Indah, Southlake, Tudan, Senadin, Lutong, Kuala Baram, Kampung Masjid, Sungai Tujoh, and Kampung Beraya.
He exained that the decision to carry out the repair works was made after the Aidiladha and Gawai Dayak celebrations to avoid disrupting festive preparations, as well as to ensure the stability of the water supply system in Miri and its surroundings.
“We have been monitoring this situation continuously because there were early signs of a minor leak at the location. Therefore, the repair works must be carried out in a scheduled and controlled manner.
“The repair work is expected to take about 12 hours to complete, followed by an additional 12 hours for the recovery and stabilisation of water pressure in the affected areas,” he said.
He noted that unstable soil conditions along the Pan Borneo Highway project alignment were identified as among the main factors contributing to the main pipe leak incident at the location.
He said the soft soil structure and ground movement in the area have impacted the stability of the existing pipe infrastructure.
In the meantime, he urged the public not to panic over the upcoming water supply disruption as it is a scheduled repair work.
“However, the recovery period could take longer in several rural areas, including Beraya, Sibuti, and Bekenu, depending on the condition of the system. The state government is preparing at least 18 water tankers, and that number is expected to be increased to between 27 and 28 tankers according to the needs on the ground,” he said.
In addition, several temporary water collection centers will be activated at strategic locations, including the Lambir Water Treatment Plant and key areas around Miri for the convenience of consumers.
An operational secretariat centre will be activated at the Lambir Water Treatment Plant to coordinate complaints, assistance, and operational monitoring on a 24-hour basis involving Sarawak Water alongside related agencies.
The public in the affected areas is advised to store sufficient water supplies in advance and use water prudently throughout the disruption period.
Earlier, he chaired a coordination meeting to discuss preparations, operational coordination, public communication, and related actions regarding the implementation of the main pipe repair works at Mile 7, Miri-Bintulu Road.
Also present were the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Sibuti Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Entrepreneur Development) and Lambir Assemblyman Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, and joining online were Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Senior Operations Manager of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd Ir. Ts. Gs. Br. Zaid Iskandar Jaraiee, as well as representatives from various agencies. -UKASnews
