GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has fully restored water supply to all 590,000 affected consumers as of 6am today.
It said the final stage of the water supply recovery entailed the remaining 0.5 per cent of affected consumers at the end-of-line (EoL) and high ground neighbourhoods in the southern areas of Penang Island.
"Water supply has been normalised for the 590,000 consumers affected by the four-day scheduled water supply interruption from Jan 10," it said today.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said, as announced, earthworks for the construction of two temporary diversion pipes, measuring 600mm in diameter, started early this morning.
The temporary diversion pipes followed new leaks detected in the pipe beneath Sungai Prai when water works were being carried out on Jan 10.
Assessment found that the existing pipe in Sungai Prai could no longer be repaired.
Chow said, it is understood that the clearing work and the removal of related building materials had started.
"During the development period of this project, it will not affect the existing water supply.
"However, let's hope that the leakage that occurs in the existing pipe will not be impoverished," he said.
Chow also confirmed that water supply to areas of the southwest district, including the EoL area, had been fully restored at 6am today.
It was reported on Jan 11 that Chow and PBAPP had earned all-round praises after water supply resumed in several parts of Seberang Prai and Penang Island after all planned water works were completed ahead of schedule.
PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said they completed all planned water works at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which warranted its closure, and 22 other locations ahead of schedule.
The shutdown resulted in a four-day water supply interruption (SWSI) to some 590,000 water consumers throughout the state.
