MPSP will commence emergency work at two water tanks

GEORGE TOWN: The Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) will commence emergency works at two elevated concrete water tanks in Bukit Tengah following a recent landslide.
In a statement, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa said soil erosion during the storm last week, "moved" the retaining wall and caused cracks to appear at the base of the elevated water tank at Taman Tanah Aman.
He also ruled out evacuating residents, as the probability of the tank collapsing on any private property was remote.
"We found no cracks on the structure supporting the tank and no leaks from the tank itself. It is fully functional," he added.
Jaseni said the volume of water storage had also been lowered by 50% to reduce structural load, while the developer has temporarily covered the landslide zone with protective plastic sheets to reduce risk.
MPSP has also agreed to undertake repair works, and will work out the cost settlement with the landowners.
Meanwhile, the Taman Seri Remia water tank in Bukit Mertajam was also affected after the recent storm washed away soil under the compound.
Jaseni said this caused the retaining wall to move, with cracks appearing at the base of the structure.
He said PBAPP was waiting for an urgent report from the developer's project consultant on structural integrity of the retaining wall and water-sub structure.