GEORGE TOWN, Nov 10 ― The Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) has started emergency works at two elevated reinforced concrete water tank locations in Central Seberang Perai (SPT).

Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa said a landslide occurred about two metres outside the fence of the Taman Tanah Aman Elevated Water Tank in Bukit Tengah.

Soil erosion had caused cracks at the base of the Taman Seri Remia elevated water tank in Bukit Mertajam, he said in statement issued today.

He said there were no cracks on the structure supporting the 0.54 million litre Taman Tanah Aman tank and no leaks from the tank itself.

“The tank is fully functional,” he said.

A landslide occurred on private land lots outside the water tank compound but due to the urgency of the matter, MPSP will undertake slope protection works on the site and work out the cost with the landowners later.

“PBAPP has temporarily lowered the volume of water storage by 50 per cent to reduce the structural load,” he said, adding that the developer has temporarily covered the landslide area with protective plastic sheets to reduce the risk of another landslide.

He stressed that the PBAPP personnel have been inspecting the Taman Tanah Aman tank compound daily since November 6.

“Our personnel have discussed this matter with the Seberang Perai Tengah Public Works Department (JKR) Engineer, the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), and the developer’s representatives,”

“The issue of evacuation need not arise because the probability of the tank collapsing down on any private properties is remote,” he said.

As for the Taman Seri Remia water tank, the storm also washed away soil under the compound of the 0.5 million litre tank.

“As a result, a retaining wall has been “moved” and cracks have appeared at the base of the water tank structure,” he said.

He also said there was no need for evacuation of residents at Taman Seri Remia as the projected direction of a potential collapse does not endanger nearby properties.

Jaseni said PBAPP and MPSP are awaiting an urgent report from Taman Seri Remia developer’s project consultant on the structural integrity of the retaining wall and water tank sub-structure. Based on this report, a decision will be made on the appropriate rectification works.

The volume of water storage for this tank was by 50 per cent to reduce the structural load while all damaged areas in the compound have been temporarily covered with protective plastic sheets.

Both tanks were built by developers and handed over to PBAPP.

Jaseni gave assurances that appropriate works are implemented for both tanks in the interest of public safety and continuous good water supply.