SIBU – Sarawak Water has provided an update on repair works to a damaged 300mm ductile iron (DI) main pipe at Lorong Kiew Nang, following a landslide that disrupted supply in the area. The latest report, issued at 10 am on 29 April, confirmed that the operation has entered its final stage.
Contractors began excavation overnight to reach the leaking pipe, which was located eight feet underground.
The depth of the pipe presented significant challenges, requiring careful handling to avoid further complications.
Crews worked continuously through the early hours to expose the damaged section and prepare for replacement.
Safety concerns added complexity to the operation. The unstable positioning of an electricity pole and a nearby telecommunications pole posed risks to workers, slowing progress as precautionary measures were taken to ensure their safety. Authorities stressed that worker protection remained a priority throughout the repair process.
By morning, the technical team had moved into the connection phase, installing new pipes and preparing the system for reconnection. Officials stated that if conditions remain stable, water supply should begin to return gradually by 10:30 am.
In the meantime, Sarawak Water has deployed water tankers to assist residents in severely affected areas. The service is available upon request, ensuring that households and businesses facing shortages can access temporary relief.
The company apologised for the inconvenience caused and assured the public that every effort is being made to restore supply as quickly and safely as possible.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of underground infrastructure to environmental factors such as landslides, which are not uncommon in Sarawak’s terrain.
Local authorities have emphasised the importance of maintaining resilience in public utilities. The repair operation demonstrates the coordination between contractors, technical teams, and safety officers in managing complex challenges under difficult conditions.
Residents are encouraged to contact the Sarawak Water Hotline or Telegram service for assistance. The Central Region hotline number is 013-8106311.
With the repair works nearing completion, the restoration of water supply is expected to ease disruptions for communities in Sibu.
The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role infrastructure plays in daily life and the importance of rapid response when unexpected failures occur.
