Miri main water pipeline repaired, supply to be return in stages within 12 hours

MIRI, June 12 — Repair works on the damaged 1,100mm main pipeline at Mile 7 of Jalan Miri-Bintulu were completed at 8.30am, with water supply expected to be restored to affected areas in stages over the next 12 hours.

Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang said Sarawak Water is refilling the system, stabilising the distribution network, and carrying out flushing activities to ensure water quality is satisfactory before supply is fully restored to consumers.

“I have been informed that the repair works on the 1,100mm main pipeline at Mile 7, Jalan Miri-Bintulu were successfully completed in full earlier this morning at approximately 8.30am,” he said in a statement.

“Water supply is expected to be restored in stages over the next approximately 12 hours, as a large-scale distribution system requires time to be refilled, stabilised, and brought back to normal operating pressure.”

He thanked all parties involved in the repair operation, including Sarawak Water and various government agencies that worked around the clock to complete the repairs and assist affected residents.

Among them were the Rural Water Supply Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Public Works Department, Sarawak Energy, Miri Resident’s Office, Miri District Office, Miri District Education Office, Miri City Council, Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Armed Forces, Malaysian Red Crescent, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Miri Hospital, elected representatives, media personnel, and volunteers.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, I would also like to extend my appreciation to all consumers in the Miri Division for their patience, cooperation, and support throughout the period of water supply disruption,” he said.

Liwan also expressed hope that the restoration process would proceed smoothly and that all affected areas would receive their normal water supply again as soon as possible.

Heavy rainfall at the site early Thursday morning resulted in difficult working conditions and temporarily hampered repair progress.

Repair works began on Wednesday following a valve closure at 5pm, with completion initially targeted for 5pm on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Sarawak Water acting chief executive officer Malseni Jamal said the supply interruption due to the repairs affected more than 70,000 consumers or about 70 per cent of the city’s population. — The Borneo Post