Water woes in Samarahan due to damaged pipeline, says Kuching Water Board

KUCHING (Oct 26): Consumers in Samarahan are experiencing water shortage since Oct 25, following damage to a pipeline along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.

A notice issued by the Kuching Water Board (KWB) said a contractor of the Kuching Urban Transportation System had damaged a 600mm Ductile Iron pipeline, causing water interruption to residents along the Jalan Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, Jalan Kampung Tanjung Bako, Kampung Binyuk, Midway Crescent, Uni Garden, Kampung Segintin, the Sarawak Heart Centre and surrounding areas since 11am on Friday.

It was revealed early Saturday morning that the contractor encountered an issue where the repair work had to be suspended due to the incoming water supply from the 800 mild steel cement lined pipe being unable to be stopped, which hindered the repairs from proceeding.

“The Board apologises for the inconvenience caused and assures consumers every effort will be made to ensure a fully-restored water supply as soon as possible.

“In addition, the Board continues to increase the water supply delivery capacity by providing tanker trucks until water supply is restored to normal,” it said in a notice.

It added the public can contact the KWB Call Centre at 082-222333 for any complaints and inquiries.

Previous notices from KWB stated water supply would resume at 9pm on Friday night and 5am on Saturday morning.

In a statement by Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd today, it said the company and its contractors are working closely with KWB to resolve the water supply interruption issue and to conduct repair works on the damaged water pipe.

“Sarawak Metro sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused. Together with the Kuching Water Board, Sarawak Metro will make every effort to fully restore the water supply as soon as possible,” it said.

Meanwhile, dry taps have become a hot topic among Samarahan residents who voiced their frustrations through social media.

They complained that no water tankers were seen delivering water to their housing areas, and the water shortage was disrupting their daily routine.

The water shortage also disrupted the F&B businesses, with outlets selling only canned drinks while some options in the food menu were unavailable.