BY: NAZLI IBRAHIM
GOMBAK, JUL 26: The Selangor Government has decided to advance RM400 million for the replacement of 422 km of old pipes in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya for the betterment of the rakyat.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said that the costs to replace the old pipes at 84 hotspots should be borne by Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAB).
"The State Government's commitment is such that we have begun replacement of the 422 km of pipes today. The entire project will be completed in 2019 and we have identified 12 hotspots already for this year only.
"This is a pressing issue, so the State Government has agreed to advance the capital expenditure because I am unsure when PAB will receive funds from the Federal Government. The State Government views this as an important issue to both consumers and the state administration," he said.
Mohamed Azmin said this while launching the 2016 Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Old Pipe Replacement ceremony in Jalan Taman Melawati on July 26.
He explained that the replacement work will be done in stages with critical areas being the top priority. This is to reduce the rate of non-revenue water (NWR) to 25% in 2025 compared to the present rate of 35%.
“Air Selangor is also implementing a holistic water management system in addition to reviewing the feasibility of drawing water from other sources," he added.
Mohamed Azmin said the campaign to reduce NWR requires the entire community's involvement as there have been incidents of water theft by some industry players and individuals.
In a symbolic ceremony, Mohamed Azmin lowered a new pipe into place using a bulldozer.
Also present was Infrastructure, Public Amenities and Agro-based Industry Exco Zaidy Abdul Talib.
