By Chantalé Fletcher
REPAIRS to a sewer pipeline in the Beetham are on hold.
This after high-voltage electric cables were encountered by workers of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA).
In a release on Sunday, WASA stated, “Work on the final phase of the Beetham sewer pipeline project continues to progress, as WASA has been able to complete the installation of two manholes and is commencing work on the third.
“However, an unforeseen complication has developed, as a T&TEC (Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission) underground high-voltage cable lies in the path between manholes #1 and #2, slowing the installation of the sewer pipeline between the two manholes.”
A team from T&TEC has joined the authority’s workers at the site in order to excavate and secure the high-powered cable to allow for the safe installation of the pipeline, the release stated.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Utilities, Marvin Gonzales, visited the job site on Saturday and was updated on its progress by WASA CEO, Sherland Sheppard and T&TEC Engineers.
He commended both utilities on the project, but expressed concern with the delay and encouraged them to work towards overcoming the current challenge in the shortest possible time.
WASA said while pipeline installation in the area of the electric cable has slowed, the project continues to progress with the installation of the third and final manhole.
“This will be followed by the reconnection of two sewer lateral connections; interconnection of the new pipeline system; and finally remedial and restoration works, inclusive of permanent road restoration.”
The completion of the works is still scheduled for January 31.
Residents protested the lack of repairs to the sewer lines by blocking the westbound and eastbound lanes of the Beetham Highway on January 10.
