Work is underway to improve sewers

Expected to be completed in March, the £160,000 project follows the collapse of a small section of sewer and will improve the sewerage infrastructure, reducing the risk of ‘out-of-sewer’ flooding in the Queensway area of Lambeg.

Local residents recently met with representatives from NI Water to discuss the project.

Lagan Valley MLA Jonathan Craig, who arranged the meeting, said: “For some time I have received complaints regarding ongoing sewerage problems in the area from local residents and businesses, a problem which has been persistent and has forced NI Water in some cases to clean out sewers on a weekly basis and even pump sewerage out into tankers, a completely unacceptable situation for all concerned.

“Now that the planned work has started I felt it was appropriate to set up a meeting with Northern Ireland Water, local community representatives and residents, so that any issues or concerns can be addressed from the outset, as well as opening a line of communication that can help deal with any problems that might arise during the next three months.

“While the ongoing work will help resolve sewerage problems in the Queensway Road area, I had received complaints from residents stating that despite the new sewer running past their homes, they would not be connected to this new pipeline.

“As a result of the meeting, I welcome the explanation from Northern Ireland Water that these houses will indeed be positively impacted by the new sewer, which, when completed, will hopefully deal with the major problem of sewers blocking and backing up on this busy road, as well as dealing with sewerage concerns that local residents have.”

Grahame Millar, NI Water Project Sponsor said: “This essential scheme will improve the sewerage infrastructure in the area and help reduce the number of blockages and sewer collapses.

“It will also reduce the risk of ‘out-of-sewer’ flooding.

“NI Water will continue to liaise with Transport NI and local representatives as the construction period continues.”

To minimise further disruption to residents, businesses and road users, it says, NI Water has decided to accelerate plans to replace the existing watermain along this section of Queensway.

The work will now be carried out directly after work on the sewer replacement has been completed.

The package of work is part of an overall £2.5 million investment in the watermains infrastructure in the wider Lisburn and West Belfast area.

Customer queries should be directed to Waterline on 03457 440088.