Appointment Of Sewer Repair Contractors For Belfast Sewers Project Announced

25 November 2004
APPOINTMENT OF SEWER REPAIR CONTRACTORS FOR BELFAST SEWERS PROJECT ANNOUNCED

Pictured at the announcement of the Ł20 million
contact for sewer repairs as part of the Belfast Sewers Project are (L-R) Katharine Bryan, Chief Executive of Water Service,
Dennis McGall , MD of Dawson WAM
and Alan Bill, Director, John Graham (Dromore) Ltd.

Katharine Bryan, Chief Executive of Water Service, today announced that contractors John Graham (Dromore) Ltd and Dawson WAM – McAllister JV have been appointed to undertake sewer repairs and other improvements as part of the Ł100 million Belfast Sewer Project.

Katharine Bryan said: "This is an important investment in the future of Belfast which will bring significant infrastructure and environmental benefits for the whole community. These contracts, valued at Ł20 million, will deliver a five year programme to upgrade 19 kilometres of existing sewers, many of which date from the Victorian era and are in poor structural condition.

"There will be significant logistical challenges for a project of this scale and Water Service and its contractors are committed to minimising disruption using innovative technical, engineering and environmentally friendly practices, including the latest pipe relining and trenchless techniques."

Department for Regional Development Minister, John Spellar, MP, said: "The entire Belfast Sewers Project represents one of the biggest infrastructure investments in the City. I am confident that Water Service and its contractors will deliver a landmark project that will provide Belfast city with a modern efficient sewerage system, fit for the 21^st century."

The contractors will be working closely with Atkins Consultants, the designated Project Managers for the overall sewers project. The sewer repairs will start early in 2005.

Katharine Bryan added: " The Belfast Sewers project includes the construction of a new 9.6 kilometre tunnel up to four metres in diameter, on which work is scheduled to start in early 2006. It will significantly improve the water quality in the Lagan and Blackstaff rivers, reduce the risk of out of sewer flooding in the Belfast area and ensure compliance with European environmental standards. The project will take almost seven years to complete and will provide Belfast with the modern infrastructure needed to cater for Belfast’s future development needs."

Details of the Belfast Sewers Project can be found on Water Service’s website www.waterni.gov.uk or by contacting Waterline on 08457 440088.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Many of these sewers have been in service since Victorian times and have deteriorated progressively.

The implementation of the Belfast Sewers Project will result in the closure of a significant number of the existing combined sewer overflows, which will reduce the pollutant load on the River Lagan and its tributaries by 85% of present levels.

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