IPOH, March 1 ― The appointed contractor for the Papan 1 sewerage project here will recompense the damage caused to the resident's properties, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry Acting Deputy Minister Datuk Seri SK Devamany.

"The contractor will make sure that they will fix the damages done on the people's properties. But, the residents have to wait until the project is completed in their area.”

"This is because if the contractor fixed the problem on the walls or fence now, later it might crack again when they continue to do the drilling works,” he told reporters after attending the Papan 1 sewerage project briefing and coordination ceremony today.

The ongoing construction work of the 160km stretch sewerage pipe network was believed to have caused some major cracks in the walls, floor and concrete fencing in several residential areas nearby.

However, Devamany also said if there was any serious problem, the contractor would fix the problem promptly.  

Devamany said the problems as such were already anticipated in the RM2.2 billion worth sewerage project and the contractor have prepared insurance for it.

"The contractor is liable to the contractual agreement and whatever damages done on the houses or buildings will be repaired by them,” he said, adding the contractor was aware of the problem and requested the public to be patient.

Devamany said despite all the problems and complaints, the project had to go on as it was important and would benefit Ipoh residents.

"Some of the existing small scale waste treatment plants and sewerage pipe are more than 50 years old and they need to be changed.

"When the project is completed, people in Ipoh will have a quality water, cleaner river, reduce in water pollution and can avoid water borne diseases,” he said. 

The Papan 1 sewerage project, which commenced in November 2015 aims to serve 1.5 million residents by modernising the sewerage system for three catchment areas: Gunung Rapat, Menglembu, and Ipoh.

Devamany also said about 144 small scale waste treatment plants around the district would be decommissioned after the construction of the massive centralised waste treatment plant in Papan. 

"The land where the existing waste treatment plants locate will be reused for other purposes that can benefit the people of Ipoh,” he said.

The three phase sewerage project has reached about 62 per cent of its construction and expected to be fully completed by 2021.