Jln Haji Baki pipeline repairs completed, water pressure to recover gradually
by marilyn ten · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Jan 11): Temporary repair works on a major water pipeline at Jalan Haji Baki, Batu Kitang here have been successfully completed, with water supply now being progressively restored, according to Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd.
The water utility company said welding works on the 1,050mm Mild Steel Cement Lined (MSCL) pumping main were completed at about 7.30am on Sunday.
“Following the completion of these works, the water supply system is being progressively restored.
“Consumers are advised that water pressure will improve gradually as the pipeline is re-pressurised in a controlled manner to ensure system safety and operational stability,” it said in a statement.
Sarawak Water also advised that temporary discoloured or cloudy water may occur in some locations during the recovery period.
This short-term condition is attributed to sediment disturbance within the pipeline after repair and re-pressurisation works, it said.
To address this, Sarawak Water said it will continue to carry out systematic flushing operations in stages at designated points to remove residual sediments, improve water clarity and stabilise overall water quality.
“Consumers experiencing discolouration are advised to allow the water to run briefly until it clears,” it added.
Sarawak Water said it will continue to closely monitor system performance and water quality throughout the recovery process.
It also said that water tanker services will remain on standby and be deployed as necessary to areas still facing supply disruptions.
The company expressed appreciation for the patience, cooperation and understanding shown by the public while the essential works were carried out to safeguard the reliability of the water supply system.
In a statement posted on its Southern Region Facebook page on Friday, Sarawak Water said several areas including the city centre, Petra Jaya, Kota Samarahan, and Padawan experienced low water pressure and unscheduled water supply interruptions due to a pipe burst near the Haji Baki traffic lights.
It said the pipe burst had caused road shoulder embankment failure, resulting in soil erosion and loss of ground support beneath Jalan Haji Baki/Jalan Batu Kitang.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the pipe burst was triggered by a landslide near the Haji Baki traffic lights, resulting in ground movement that imposed excessive stress on the 1,050mm Mild Steel Cement-Lined (MSCL) pumping mains pipeline.”