The Tribune

The Water & Sewerage Corporation says it will soon supply more than 120 Long Island homes and businesses with potable water as the $3.6m construction of new water mains nears completion in Millers.

The state-owned utility, in a statement, said it is working with Rowdy Boys Construction Company to carry out the project, which involves the installation of over 50,000 feet of two-inch and four-inch water mains.

“So far, 21,000 feet of two-inch pipes of water mains have been completed with corresponding connections. Homes and businesses will receive potable water through the distribution network for the first time,” said Jalen Knowles of Rowdy Boys Construction.

“The Government has also implemented 7,000 feet of water mains, which extends from Rocky Shores to Stella Maris, where the previous paving project stopped. We are looking to start that as soon as we are completed with the two-inch mains. Once we are finished, we will have another 15,000 feet and then move into the other 7,000 feet.”

To date, more than 39,000 feet of water mains has been installed. The Water & Sewerage Corporation said the project is significant because it is close to the Regatta Site, which provides a major economic boost for the island.

“This project is very important to Long Island. This is installing new water mains. So, every pipe that we lay is a resident or business receiving Water and Sewerage’s potable running water for the first time. It brings us great pride as a Long Island company to be involved with this project because these are our friends, colleagues and family. It brings us great pride in providing infrastructure for generations to come,” Mr Knowles added.

Melissa Cartwright, Water & Sewerage Corporation’s assistant supervisor, said: “Water and Sewerage’s role is to ensure that the pipelines are installed to our specifications, and everything is done at a smooth rate with the least amount of disruptions.

“We want to make sure that the pipes are embedded properly, and to make sure the project stays on time. We appreciate the Rowdy Boys for installing this infrastructure in this area. We have had customers, friends and neighbours all wishing that we would expand the pipeline in this area and it has now come to fruition, and customers are excited to get piped water in this area. It has been a long time coming and it will benefit our island greatly.”

Ayla Isaacs, the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s assistant general manager of Family Island administration, said: “These works aid in bridging the gaps in our infrastructure system permitting more persons access to piped, potable water. Persons impacted by these works will no longer rely on private wells and water deliveries as their primary access to water. We view that as a priceless investment.”

The project is expected to be completed in December.