St Michael’s Flushed with Success at Poster Competition!

27 May 2021 13:10

NI Water and Geda Construction recently visited St Michael’s Primary School on the Ravenhill Road to see the results of an art competition to help promote the “Play Safe” safety message in light of the current nearby construction work on the £7 million Ravenhill Avenue Flood Alleviation Project. Our message included the contractor’s own Health & Safety mascot GEDA Goodbear reminding the pupils to ‘Be Aware & Take Good Care!

The winning pupils received medals in recognition of their fantastic artwork, one of NI Water’s reusable water bottles and a water butt for the school. The winning pictures will go forward to be displayed on the hoardings at the construction site, so watch this space!

Work is progressing on this major Flood Alleviation Project, which will benefit the Ravenhill Avenue area of South Belfast. This essential infrastructure project involves the upgrade of existing and installation of new sewers along a section of Ravenhill Avenue and the surrounding streets. It is being undertaken to reduce the risk of internal and external ‘out of sewer’ flooding, and when complete will increase the capacity of the sewerage system in this area of South Belfast.

As pupils return to the classroom, many schools are seeking to improve their outdoor learning environments to enhance pupil wellbeing alongside improving the sustainability of the school grounds. Water butts are a great way to do this as they harvest rainwater, which can then be used to water plants or wash windows.

We get plenty of rain in Northern Ireland but this rainwater has to be cleaned at our treatment works before it goes into the taps. Using a water butt to catch the rain is just one way we can all have play a part to ensure there's enough water for everyone now and in the future.

You’d be surprised how much water we all use on a daily basis, 155 litres per person sounds like a lot, however, much of that is sent back down the drain. Why not get water fit and try our new online water audit at https://www.getwaterfit.co.uk to see just how water wise you are and receive free water saving items such as 4 minute shower timers, leaky loo strips and toothy timers for the little one.   

The team have some simple steps for children and young people on how to stay safe:

1. Don’t climb on barriers and fences - They are there to protect you from serious injury and accidents when construction work is going on.
2. Stay away from trenches and open manholes - They are dirty, deep and dangerous. They may also contain hazardous gases.
3. Be careful near roads - never run out from behind parked vans or lorries as you could be knocked down and injured.
4. Keep clear of equipment - You may see diggers, lorries, pipes and other equipment, but don’t be tempted - steer clear and don’t touch!
5. Obey ‘Danger’ signs - reservoirs and treatment works can be very dangerous places, so stay well away and always obey the warning signs.

(L-R) Aisling Henry from Geda Construction, Mrs Traynor from St Michael’s and NI Water’s David McClean are pictured with pupils from St Michael’s celebrating their success. Some examples of the winning artwork are also below.

If you are a teacher and would like to avail of NI Water’s new virtual lessons, contact the education team at education@niwater.com   

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