NWC pursuing temporary solution for Ferry pipeline break

The National Water Commission (NWC) is reporting that it is using emergency contracting and procurement procedures to implement an interim measure to provide more water to areas impacted by the unrepairable break on the Ferry Transmission Pipeline along the Mandela Highway.

The NWC says a contractor has been engaged on an emergency basis to install, in the shortest possible time, approximately 1.5 kilometers of pipelines to bypass the area of the broken pipe and other parts of the transmission main now underneath the highway.

The agency says it has been encountering various challenges to replace the pipeline and now believes that it may not meet its end of March timeline for completion.

It explains that the pipeline route through the swamplands has already been cleared; the raised embankment or berm has already been built; culverts under the embankment are now being built; and, much of the large 900mm and 600mm pipes have already been bought, delivered to the site and are now being laid.

However, the NWC says some other critical fittings and material have not yet been received, delaying the expected completion.

The NWC says it is proceeding with the installation of this interim 300mm pipeline on the northern side of the highway.

It says it expects that this will result in some measurable improvement in the water supply to affected residents.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.