Toome Road flood works update

NI Water informed Robin Swann that phase one of the project, the sewer rehabilitation, was progressing well on site, with all survey work now completed. The completion of phase one would require some localized land closures to complete the remaining repairs safely and protect the public and construction workers.

It added that these works will re-commence in early October and will take about six weeks to complete subject to agreement with key stakeholders on appropriate traffic management arrangements.

According to NI Water, “once complete this section of work will maximize the capacity of the existing sewerage network, help reduce the risk of ‘out of sewer’ flooding and environmental pollution”.

However, Assemblyman Swann added that while he welcomed progress on the scheme, he was ‘very concerned’ that the scheme would only help reduce the risk rather than totally eliminate the problem altogether.

“I am also pleased NI Water has unveiled a future programme of work which is a sewer realignment scheme for Wakehurst Park and Wakehurst Road, as well as equally much-needed phases to focus on storm storage and storm separation to the existing sewerage system in the area.

“NI Water has informed me these latter phases are expected to begin in the summer of 2017 ‘subject to funding’. I urge the Stormont Executive to ensure there is no delay in the funding for these projects as residents in this area have had to endure the terrible consequences of serious flooding in the past.”