Kuching Residents to Face Water Disruption Aug 13–14 for Major Pipeline Repairs

KUCHING – Several areas in Kuching will experience low water pressure or temporary water supply disruptions from 9pm on Aug 13 to 8am on Aug 14 due to planned repair works on a major pipeline along Jalan Matang–Batu Kawa.

According to the Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (SWSB) Southern Region Office, the affected locations include Jalan Matang (Kubah Ria to Mile 9), Taman Sri Harmoni, Jalan Sungai Tengah, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub, Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin, Jalan Demak, Jalan Bako, Muara Tebas, Petra Jaya, and surrounding JBALB service areas.

The planned works follow an incident on Aug 6 when a 750mm diameter Mild Steel Cement Lined (MSCL) pumping main along Jalan Matang–Batu Kawa, near Emart Moyan, burst for the first time. The burst pipe affected treated water supply to areas such as Batu Kawa, Moyan, Jalan Batu Kawa–Malihah, Matang Jaya, Petra Jaya, Demak Laut, and JBALB Semariang.

SWSB said its team quickly isolated the leak to prevent further damage to the road, underground utilities, and other infrastructure. Repairs were completed by Aug 7, earlier than expected, and water flushing was carried out to restore clean supply to affected areas.

However, unscheduled repair works on a 1,100mm diameter MSCL pumping main, halted in the early hours of Aug 6 due to site and technical challenges, are set to resume. Welding has been completed on about three-quarters of the pipeline’s circumference, but persistent leakage at the bottom section needs full rectification.

SWSB has already fabricated necessary fittings locally to avoid delays. The two pumping mains in question supply directly to the Bukit Siol reservoir, with reservoir levels at Bukit Siol, Datu Muda, Pending, and Mile 9 3/4 being built up to ensure adequate supply during the works.

Water tankers will be mobilised to the affected areas, and consumers are advised to store sufficient water before the repair schedule.

“We appreciate the public’s patience and assure that all efforts are being made to minimise disruptions and restore supply quickly,” SWSB said.