KUCHING: The Kuching Water Board (KWB) will carry out urgent repair works on a 1400mm diameter Mild Steel Cement Line (MSCL) pumping main, which is expected to cause widespread water disruption across multiple areas in Kuching.
The repair works will begin at 9.00 pm on July 11 (Friday) and are expected to be completed by 7.00 am on July 12 (Saturday).
KWB, in a statement Tuesday, said the 1400mm MSCL pumping main, which is over 30 years old and responsible for supplying approximately 170 million litres of treated water daily or 20% of Kuching’s total water output, suffered damage due to a collapsed concrete slab along Jalan Highfields Light Industrial, at Batu Kawa.
“This will be KWB’s third attempt at carrying out permanent repairs on the ageing pipeline, which plays a vital role in supplying water to key areas including Matang Jaya, Petra Jaya, Demak Laut, Semariang, JBALB zones, and nearby communities,” it said.
According to KWB, earlier repair efforts were delayed by: Limited workspace and unstable ground conditions that prevented safe machinery operation; Non-standard pipe dimensions that required specially fabricated parts; Structural obstructions, including a large concrete slab that must be safely removed before access to the damaged pipe is possible.
Areas expected to experience low pressure or no water supply are as follows: Jalan Matang (Kubah Ria to Batu 9); Taman Sri Harmoni; Jalan Sungai Tengah; Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub; Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhamad Salahudin; Jalan Demak; Jalan Bako; Muara Tebas; Petra Jaya and nearby JBALB-managed areas.
Consumers may experience airlocks and discoloured water during the recovery period. Water tankers will be deployed to assist affected areas, but residents are strongly urged to store enough water before the repair window begins.
KWB emphasised that all necessary precautions are being taken to minimise disruption.
“We thank the public for their patience and understanding as we work to stabilise this critical infrastructure,” it said.
The public is advised to follow KWB’s official channels for updates on restoration progress.
