A lawmaker today urged the government to consider replacing the 35-kilometer long water pipeline that brings water to Langkawi from Perlis, citing frequent problems and leaks disrupting the island’s residents’ water supply. .
Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) also said that the underground water pipe is already 27 years old. “I was told that in order to repair the underwater pipes, we have to wait for good conditions in terms of tides and water. This can only be done twice a month. “Will the federal government consider replacing the pipeline, after 27 years, because it is always leaking here and there?
Does the government intend to support Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (the public water operator) to completely replace the pipes? he said in the Dewan Rakyat.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Exchange, Akmal Nasrullah Nasir, said that the real limitation is at the state level in terms of cost. He also said that most of the time, it’s the weed nets that damage the pipes.
As for how we can solve the problem in the long term, I said earlier that RM50 million is not enough for repairs, he said, referring to the federal government’s loan for repairing pipelines. Estimates based on research conducted show that an additional amount of RM110 million is needed, said the deputy minister.
Therefore, the ministry also wants to provide more shares through loans from Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd, he said. However, we also request the state government to take this matter seriously. Although there are more users or account holders in Kedah than in Langkawi, Langkawi is an island that we need to take care of and raise its status, added Akmal. In May, the New Straits Times newspaper quoted Yusoff@Munir Zakaria, chairman of the Kedah Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply and Environment Committee, as saying that fixing leaks in pipes underground Marines only need to use cable ties.
He said that the investigation by the project manager showed that the thickness of the pipeline is suitable for repair in this way and the state will conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis before opening the call for bids for the project, which will be held in June.
