(From right) Lai and Leong discussing solutions with traders and DBKL representatives to address low water pressure at Kompleks Pasar Raja Bot in Chow Kit. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
UP to five water tankers with a 5,000L capacity each will be supplying water to Kompleks Pasar Raja Bot in Chow Kit as a temporary measure to address low pressure at the market.
A Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) representative said the low water pressure was due to broken pipes caused by vandalism.
“Shortly after the traders moved into the complex in March, we found that the main pipes were damaged when the contractor did a water pressure test.
“We believed that the pipes were vandalised by irresponsible parties who tried to tap into the main pipes for water.
“We will fix the pipes and conduct a water pressure test again.
“Should the test fail, pipe replacement will be done,” he said, adding that the process will likely take six months.
“During the six months, we will connect the main water supply to the complex,” said the DBKL representative during a site visit.
On June 5, StarMetro had reported on the issue, “Low water pressure, dry taps at Chow Kit market affecting traders.”
It was revealed that certain areas did not have water supply due to low pressure and some taps were also closed to limit water usage in the market.
Chow Kit Area Hawkers and Petty Traders Association secretary Chew Meng Leong said sending water tankers to the complex would help.
Association chairman Yuesnaedy Idrus said connecting the market to the main water supply was vital.
“Ultimately, we want the main water pipes to be fixed,” he said.
Kuala Lumpur Advisory Board member Carmen Leong lauded DBKL’s swift action in deploying the tankers.
Fellow board member Andre Lai said the association had also raised concerns of Jalan Raja Alang being a one-way road.
“The association wanted the road turned into two-way as illegal traders are using the road reserve to set up stalls.
“There is also the problem of having three different associations managing traders in the market.
“We will call for a meeting with DBKL to sort out these issues,” he said.
