KUCHING: A landslide near Jalan Haji Baki and Jalan Batu Kitang, triggered by ground movement and a subsequent pipe burst, has caused soil erosion and the loss of ground support beneath the affected road structure.
Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd said preliminary investigations indicated that the root cause of the incident was ground movement along Jalan Batu Kitang near the Haji Baki traffic light, which imposed excessive stress on the pumping mains pipeline located beneath and adjacent to the road corridor.
“The ground instability led to pipe displacement and rupture which subsequently contributed to the embankment failure.
“We wish to inform the public that the recent pipe burst incident resulted in a significant discharge of water into the surrounding soil which accelerated erosion and weakened the nearby road shoulder embankment. The ground instability led to pipe displacement and rupture, which subsequently contributed to the embankment failure.
“The pipe burst resulted in a significant discharge of water into the surrounding soil, accelerating erosion and weakening the nearby road shoulder embankment,” Sarawak Water said in a statement.
The incident disrupted the water pumping mains system, leading to reduced inflow to service reservoirs and low reservoir levels across the supply network.
As a result, low water pressure and unscheduled supply interruptions were experienced in several areas, including Kuching city centre, Petra Jaya, Kota Samarahan and Padawan.
Sarawak Water said emergency response protocols had been activated, including close monitoring of reservoir levels and system pressure. Isolation valves were promptly operated to control the leakage and minimise further water loss.
The utility said emergency repair works would be carried out as soon as practicable after all necessary technical and safety assessments related to the pipe burst and landslide are completed.
“However, progress may be constrained by unstable ground conditions that pose safety risks, the need for strict traffic control measures, adverse weather and the extent of pipeline displacement caused by the landslide,” it said.
Sarawak Water added that it is working closely with relevant authorities and technical agencies to monitor ground conditions and to ensure that all repair and reinstatement works are carried out safely, systematically and effectively.
