Robert Tyabji, November 2025

Over the years, the pump tank cover, comprising  a  mild steel frame with a “zinc” (mild steel sheet, 22 gauge) cover, rusted through and broke into sections, with big holes in the cover. 

In the past year or so, it became a priority to replace the cover, with some design improvements to ensure that rainwater would run off the top, and to protect the electric outlets from wetting.

Initially, I had planned to fabricate a new cover myself, but then I thought the better of it and decided to have it built by professionals instead.

So I called Mr. Yap of FK Iron Works, who had fabricated and installed the decorative grilles for the downstairs kitchen windows and door some 12 years ago. I then visited Mr. Yap to discuss the design, and he came over and checked it out for himself. We agreed on a price (RM 550) and he and an assistant returned four days later to instal the new cover. The top is ACP (Aluminium Coimposite Panel) which is waterproof, rustproof, and relatively noiseless in the rain. The top extends outward to cover the electric outlets below. The hinges are internal, between the top and the frame below to protect them corroding.