DURKAN WELCOMES PREHEN WATER PLANS
 
Foyle MP Mark Durkan has welcomed the planned Water Drainage upgrade planned for the Prehen area in the first half of 2010.
 
Speaking after NI Water held a consultation meeting in the Everglades Hotel with local residents on Tuesday he said:
 
“I welcome Northern Ireland Water’s ongoing programme of water drainage upgrade in the city.
 
“The planned upgrade of the sewer and drain infrastructure in and around Prehen will be good for local residents, for the local environment and for the wider problem of flooding that has affected the local water network over recent years.
 
“In particular, I welcome the intention to close off a number of ‘overflow’ sources which have on occasion meant that untreated effluent has been discharged into small watercourses in the area. This will become a thing of the past with water now being directed to an upgraded Victoria Road Pumping Station.
 
“Of course these works will last for a number of months and will inevitably mean temporary inconveniences for local residents.
 
“I have made clear to NI Water and the contractors that the works should be planned in full consideration of local residents and road users to minimise such disruption. I am pleased that they are conscious of these issues and commit to maintaining engagement with local people.
 
“This project has been allocated into two contracts.  While the larger contract for the works within Prehen has been approved, I am hopeful that the necessary in-house approvals for the lower ground works will also come through in coming weeks.”
 
ENDS

17-12-09