Bandar Seri Begawan - Taps ran dry for residents in Kuala Belait and Panaga after an accidental damage to a main water pipe in Seria resulted in a leakage and subsequently disruption in water supply to homes for over an excruciating 24 hours starting late Monday afternoon.

The hotline (140) was inundated with calls from affected residents who demanded an explanation as well as an estimate of how long the disruption would last.

According to Belait and Tutong Public Works Department Assistant Director Chua Peng Keng, the main water pipe located at H 14 in Seria had experienced leakage while a contractor company was carrying out piling works in the drainage channel area as part of the $9 million Seria Flood Mitigation Project.

"The impact of piling works from the heavy machineries had accidentally caused a dent to the 24-inch pipe at about 5pm and resulted in water leakage."

A consultant company hired to oversee the project immediately reported the fault to the Public Works Department, who then took the first remedial action to shut the valve to avoid wastage of water.

To carry out repair works, a large hole was dug out to access the main pipe. Meanwhile, the rising dirt water and overnight showers delayed what was already a complicated repair job, so much so that engineers from the department had to work overnight.

"The fault has been rectified as of 9.30am yesterday morning, but it may take time for water to reach and fill up the elevated reservoirs which supply water to households in Kuala Belait, Panaga and Seria," Chua said.

As the supply of water through the mains has been restored, it may take about six hours to build up sufficient pressure for the elevated reservoirs to resume water supply to residents, the Public Works Department stated in its press statement.

The disruption posed inconvenience to many, some of whom woke up to find no running water to perform their Suboh prayers or shower before heading out to work.

A Kampong Pandan housing area resident said she experienced water disruption since 5.30pm on Monday after noticing low water pressure not long before the taps ran dry.

Meanwhile, a STKRJ Mumong Housing Area resident said she had to take her two daughters to a relative's home in Lumut for a shower, ensuring they felt fresh before sitting for their final-term examinations later in the day.

Business establishments, particularly restaurants, were not spared either, with the disruption forcing them to shutdown operations temporarily.

Belait Water Engineer Haji Awang bin Haji Awg Tuah told the Bulletin that tankers carrying water from Bandar Seri Begawan and Tutong were made available to assist residents in the affected areas.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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