KUCHING: Sarawak Water has implemented immediate preventive measures, following repeated existing pipeline damage incidents, to protect public water supply infrastructure.
Sarawak Water said the measure comes after repeated incidents of pipeline damage caused by nearby construction activities along the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Blue Line Package 2 alignment.
The latest incident, which occurred on May 6, involved a 400mm diameter Ductile Iron (DI) pipeline and resulted in a temporary water supply disruption affecting several areas in Kuching.
“Sarawak Water views the matter seriously as the integrity and reliability of the public water supply system remain a top priority to ensure continuous water supply services to consumers,” it said in a statement issued via Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd Facebook post today (May 9).
Prior to the incident, Sarawak Water had continuously engaged and coordinated with the relevant stakeholders regarding the importance of safeguarding existing water infrastructure during the implementation of nearby development and construction activities.
In line with ongoing mitigation and preventive efforts, Sarawak Water has instructed that works within the affected pipeline alignment area be temporarily halted until the proposed pipeline relocation works are fully completed, tested, commissioned, and successfully integrated into the existing water supply system.
“This measure is necessary to minimise the risk of further damage to critical water infrastructure and to prevent recurrence of disruptions that may affect consumers,” it stressed.
Sarawak Water added that it continues to work closely with all relevant parties to ensure that all technical requirements, safety measures, and infrastructure protection protocols are fully complied with before construction activities resume in the affected area.
As part of its commitment to service reliability and the public interest, the utility will continue to monitor the situation closely and undertake all necessary measures to safeguard the integrity of the public water supply system throughout the implementation period.
Sarawak Water sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused and greatly appreciates the patience, understanding and cooperation of all affected consumers.
