Valve fault delays water supply recovery for 15,000 Sibu consumers

KUCHING, Aug 14 — Repair works on the 1,000mm-diameter main pipeline near Lorong Kiew Nang 1 in Sibu were completed early Friday morning, but water supply could not be restored immediately to all affected consumers due to a malfunctioning delivery valve.

In a statement, Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd said during the restoration process, a 600mm-diameter delivery valve at the Salim Water Treatment Plant experienced an unexpected malfunction, which further affected the recovery of water supply to several areas.

“Repair works on the affected valve are currently ongoing and are expected to be completed between 1pm and 3pm on Friday. Consumers are advised that water supply will not return to normal immediately upon completion of the valve repair works,” the utility company said.

Sarawak Water said approximately 15,000 consumers in several areas in Sibu are expected to continue experiencing temporary water supply interruption or low water pressure.

The areas are Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce (Jalan Salim intersection) – Lorong 60 to Lorong 66, including the Petronas Station; Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, including Lorong Tunku Abdul Rahman 42, Rumah Sebastian, Jalan Rafflesia, Jalan Jade Villa, Taman Primeview, Taman Azalea, Taman Sanhill, Sibu Airport, and Eco Garden; Sibu Jaya; Jalan Durin Link up to Durin Bridge; Jalan Satria, Jalan Bumi Indah, Jalan Ruai, Jalan Bougenvilla, Jalan Kaland, Jalan Pine, Taman Kemuyang, Rascom Camp, and Rumah Nari up to the Sibu–Bintulu junction; as well as surrounding areas.

Sarawak Water said water supply would be restored progressively, with some areas receiving supply earlier than others depending on their location within the distribution system.

In the meantime, the company has deployed water tankers to the affected areas to provide temporary water supply assistance while repair and restoration efforts are ongoing.

During the recovery period, some consumers may experience temporary low water pressure or discoloured water as the distribution system stabilises, it explained.

Consumers experiencing discoloured water are advised to allow their taps to run until the water becomes clear before use.

Sarawak Water apologised for the inconvenience caused and appreciates the patience and understanding of all affected consumers as its teams work to restore the water supply as soon as possible.

Further updates on the repair works and water supply restoration progress will be provided through Sarawak Water’s official communication channels. — The Borneo Post