NI Water Condemns Serious Threat to Workmen in West Belfast

01 October 2014 14:34

NI Water has condemned a serious threat to one of their contractors working in the Glen Crescent area of West Belfast.

On Tuesday 30 September, contractors who were undertaking work as part of the £10 million upgrade of watermains across North and West Belfast, were approached and directed to leave the site, claiming if they returned in the morning, they would be blown up.  

An NI Water spokesperson commented,

“In the interests of health and safety NI Water has been forced to withdraw its contractors from the area following this serious threat.  Our paramount concern is the safety of our workers and we will not put them in danger.  They will return over the coming days to remove the barriers and reinstate the site to make it permanently safe for residents.  

“The contractor was working on a £10 million scheme to improve the supply of water in the area.  This threat is completely unwarranted, unprovoked and unnecessary. Our teams are there working for the good of the community to provide a safe and reliable service.

“It should be emphasised the work being undertaken is ‘like for like’ work. The team’s remit is to replace the old or damaged infrastructure including the pipes and boundary boxes supplying our customers’ property.  If the boundary boxes previously housed a meter, a new meter is installed, if there was not a meter present, a new meter is not installed.  

“Any misconception or misreporting that our work is linked to forthcoming water charges puts our workers and their equipment at risk of serious harm.  

“We do not want a situation where the local community will suffer because of the mindless destruction and misinformed actions of a few.

“NI Water would ask all political and community representatives to unite with us in ensuring the safety of our staff and their equipment while they carry out this vital work.”