Modern Tech Can Prevent Road Cave Ins Says Expert

---

A wastewater expert says simple upgrades like pipe relining and robotic inspections could have averted the sewer pipe collapse.
A key stretch of Jalan Burma in George Town has been closed after part of the road collapsed because of a broken sewer pipe. (H’ng Mooi Lye pic)GEORGE TOWN: A cave-in at part of Jalan Burma here this morning, caused by a broken sewer line underneath, could have been prevented if modern pipe technology had been used, says a wastewater expert
G Parameswaran said regular checks using robotic cameras could have spotted weaknesses in the sewer pipe before it collapsed. “This sort of incident is avoidable. With robotic cameras, we could have spotted cracks or misalignment early and acted before the road gave way,” he told FMT.
A key stretch of Jalan Burma was closed today after part of the road collapsed near the Transfer Road junction. One lane remains open, and motorists have been urged to avoid the Komtar area as repair crews continue work on the road.
Sewerage company Indah Water Konsortium said a sewer line beneath the road had collapsed due to a dislocated joint. Repairs are expected to take five days.
However, Parameswaran said repairs could also be done without digging up the road using a special method involving a special liner inserted into the existing pipe which would expand and harden to form a pipe within a pipe.
Parameswaran said the method would have created a seamless pipe without risk of a joint slipping out. He said IWK has the technical expertise to carry out pipe relining and should be able to resolve the issue quickly.
“They are equipped for this kind of repair. With proper lining and joint sealing, the pipe can be restored without the need for full replacement,” he said.
Parameswaran, who is also president of the Malaysian Water and Wastewater Quality Safety Association, said gravity sewer pipes, especially older ones, were vulnerable at the joints where two pipe sections meet. Ground movement or heavy traffic load can cause these joints to shift over time, leading to leaks and collapses.
“We need to stop thinking of sewer maintenance only when a road caves in. These are hidden systems that support the whole city. A bit of forward planning and investment can save lives, money, and a lot of public disruption,” he said. - FMT

---