Statement by the Water Services Corporation

With reference to the report 'Left Dry for 21 days' published today on the front page of one of the local newspaper, the Water Services Corporation would like to state the following:

Approximately two months ago the St Paul's Bay Local Council and the Ministry of Public Works and Construction coordinated with the WSC regarding the roads resurfacing in St. Aristarcus Street and part of St. Publius Street in St. Paul's Bay. The WSC agreed to renew the street mains and the household connection services since the distribution system in these streets is very old and structurally weak, thus affecting the household supply with regular bursts and breakdowns.

However, without any prior notification the appointed contractor started excavating through St. Aristarcus Street from Efisu Street down the road corner with St. Luke's Street. Whilst ploughing through the street with the trenching equipment, between St. Luke's Street and Bordino Street, the street main along this part and the connection services were completely destroyed. The WSC were then called by the residents to remedy the situation. As an immediate temporary service a standpipe was installed and the mobile tanker service was provided on demand.

In the meantime the same contractor, continued along St. Aristarcus Street to excavate the trenches for the mains renewal. The water distribution system along the remaining part leading from Bordino Street to Resort Square was not so badly damaged except for the house connections. Consequentially the residents in parts of the street in question were constrained with a waterless supply for a few days until the household services were connected to the new mains following technical and health tests.

Whenever possible the WSC reconnected the services temporarily. Other damages were effected to the main sewer and other utilities services.

The contractor was fully cognizant of the inconvenience he was about to cause to the local residents. One particular employee of this contractor was purposely assigned the task to chop pieces of wood from a stick to plug the household connection services whilst the trenching equipment ploughed its way along the street.

All this inconvenience to the residents and unnecessary waste of potable water could have been avoided given (I) prior notification of work commencement (ii) responsibility by the project entity to bear the cost to provide temporary service to the residents (iii) less damage and disturbance to the utilities services namely water pipes, drainage pipes and others (iv) presence of the project manager and (v) preventive care related to the earthing system connected to the household electrical system.

Throughout all this the WSC mobilised its technical division to contain the situation and restore the supply. Existing household services that were severed were immediately temporarily repaired. The street main was installed and connected to the distribution system following the necessary "fit for drinking" certification.

The reconnections of the household services between Bordino Street and St. Luke's Street will be restored by today. This operation could not have been effected earlier since the old street main was completed ploughed as previously explained.

The reconnecting of services would also be completed along the part betwwen St. Luke's Street and Efesu Street. The Water Services Corporation has also safeguarded the installation of the earthing system connected to the household electrical supply. This safety aspect was completely ignored by the contractor.

Residents in St. Publius Street underwent the same difficult situation.

In the meantime the public has drawn wrong conclusion regarding the work of the WSC which appeared to have neglected the residents' needs in this regard. The WSC will press its claims against those responsible for the damages and water wastage caused during this operation.