TPJ repairs old valves

JAKARTA (JP): Tap water joint venture PT Thames PAM Jaya (TPJ) is repairing and undertaking maintenance work on main pipe valves for the first time since they were installed 80 years ago.

The company's trunk mains manager Horas Batubara said in a statement that the repair work was aimed at improving water quality and pressure and reducing wastage.

Horas added the pipe network maintenance and upgrade were part of the company's target of providing potable water for consumers beginning 2007.

One of the repair jobs being undertaken is at the busy intersection between Jl. Matraman, Jl. Pramuka, Jl. Salemba and Jl. Proklamasi, where five main valves with a diameter of 450 millimeters each were installed between 1919 and 1921. These valves control the water flow to the subdistricts of Kenari, Paseban, Kramat and Senen.

Horas said the repair work included valve chamber dismantling, nut replacement, rubber packing, gland packing, valve saucer cleaning and, if necessary, replacement of spindles, nut spindles and cover packing.

The project involves more than 50 technicians who will have to complete their work within 14 hours.