08-07-2025
KWB to undertake urgent repairs on major water pipeline along Jalan Highfields Light Industrial to Jalan Batu Kawa
File photo for illustration purposes
KUCHING (July 8): The Kuching Water Board (KWB) will carry out urgent repair works on a 1,400mm Mild Steel Cement Lined (MSCL) pumping main along Jalan Highfields Light Industrial near Jalan Batu Kawa, following damage caused by a collapsed concrete slab.
According to KWB's technical update titled '1,400mm MSCL Pumping Main at Jalan Highfields Light Industrial – Jalan Batu Kawa', the repair operation will begin at 9pm on July 11 (Friday) and is expected to be completed by 7am the following day (Saturday).
'This marks the third attempt to execute permanent repairs on this critical pipeline, which is over 30 years old and supplies approximately 170 million litres per day (MLD) – about 20 per cent of Kuching's total treated water production of 778 MLD,' said KWB.
The affected pipeline supplies water to key areas that include Matang Jaya, Petra Jaya, Demak Laut, Semariang, JBALB-served zones, and nearby communities.
Previous repair efforts were hampered by several challenges like site constraints where limited space and unstable ground hindered safe and effective equipment deployment; technical compatibility where the ageing pipeline uses non-standard dimensions, and suitable fittings are not commercially available and sructural limitations where the pipe lies beneath a heavy concrete slab structure, requiring precise and safe removal before any repair work.
Consumers at Jalan Matang (Kubah Ria to Batu 9; Taman Sri Harmoni; Jalan Sungai Tengah; Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub; Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhamad Salahudin; Jalan Demak; Jalan Bako; Muara Tebas; Petra Jaya and surrounding JBALB areas are expected to experience low water pressure or no water supply during the repair works.
During the recovery period, consumers may also experience airlocks or discoloured (dirty) water.
KWB said water tankers will be mobilised to provide alternative supply to affected areas and strongly advised consumers to store sufficient water in advance of the scheduled shutdown.
'We are committed to restoring the system with minimal disruption and will continue to monitor progress closely. We thank the public for their patience and understanding as we work to stabilise this critical infrastructure,' KWB said in the statement. Kuching Water Board lead pipe repairs water supply
