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Lo says discussions with Sarawak Water concluded that placing the pipeline beneath the road embankment could pose a risk of pipe bursts due to ground instability.
KUCHING (Jan 30): Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd is considering elevating the major pipeline along Jalan Batu Kitang/Jalan Haji Baki and installing it on a supporting platform to reduce risks associated with landslides, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang.
He said discussions with Sarawak Water concluded that placing the pipeline beneath the road embankment could pose a risk of pipe bursts due to ground instability.
“In the long run, lifting the pipeline onto a more solid platform should be safer and more sustainable.
“However, this proposal is still at the planning stage,” he told reporters after opening the Borneo International Consumer Expo 2026 held at the MetroCity Convention Centre here on Thursday.
According to Lo, repair works in the areas affected by the recent landslide and pipe burst have been completed, and water supply has since been fully restored.
“So far, no leakages have been reported,” he said, adding that a permanent, long-term solution is necessary to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Lo explained that the pipeline, with a diameter of 1.05 metres, is a major water conduit supplying treated water from the Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant to several parts of the city, including Petra Jaya.
“Any disruption to this pipeline would affect a large number of areas,” he said.
He added that the relevant authorities are currently repairing the damaged road embankment, after which the temporary access route will be closed.
He expressed appreciation to the state Public Works Department (JKR), Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd and other agencies involved, particularly commending JKR Sarawak for its swift response.
“I cannot thank JKR Sarawak enough for having commenced the repair work on the night I raised the issue.
“The work was completed early the next morning, significantly improving the traffic flow in the area,” he said.
He noted that favourable weather conditions had also contributed to the smooth progress of the repair works.
On the embankment repair, Lo said the state JKR estimates about three weeks to complete the work.
“If the weather remains good, the repair work should be completed within three weeks.
“However, adverse weather may cause delays.
“What matters most is that the work is done properly to ensure public safety,” he added.
On Jan 9, a section of Jalan Haji Baki/Jalan Batu Kitang collapsed following a pipe burst, resulting in soil erosion and loss of ground support.
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