VIDEO: After four months of disruptive roadworks on a busy road in Ryde, work continues this week on repairing a water main that is proving problematic for both engineers and customers, despite the work being planned to conclude at the end of February.
Work began back in October 2013 on replacing a water main on St John’s Hill in Oakfield, work that was expected to last just 6 weeks. Now, four months later, roadworks and temporary traffic lights remain in place on the main through-road and HGV route, as engineers try to establish what is causing the water main to burst – the latest incident forcing the closure of the road.
Residents have expressed their anger after being left without water for around 6 hours on several occasions and motorists are simply fed up of the long delays, with two and three-way temporary traffic lights in place for weeks on end that disappear for 24 hours before returning once again causing more misery for drivers.
Questions were raised by Island Echo to Southern Water four weeks ago as to why the section of road has been repeatedly dug up, with work extending the original 6 week period stated. A Southern Water spokesperson at the time said a series of complications with other services including gas pipes and electricity cables meant the initial main pipe replacement – completed in December – had to be dug by hand resulting in a delay.
Following a series of incidents where the carriageway has flooded and notably water gushing into the air, Island Echo has continued the investigation into the cause of the problem, which forced Police to close St John’s Hill last Thursday when water and stones were thrown into the air following a pipe burst at one of three locations that are being continually being dug up by contractors ClancyDocwra.
These videos below, captured by Island Echo readers, shows the aftermath of the burst water main last week.
A Southern Water spokesman told Island Echo:
“Our replacement of a water main in St John’s Hill, Ryde, is taking longer than we’d planned. We understand residents’ frustrations and we apologise for the inconvenience.
“The new pipe has burst a number of times and we are looking into what is causing this to happen. This means we are having to remove some of the parts to check them for defects. This work is ongoing.
“We are working hard to resolve the issues and complete the scheme as quickly as possible.”
With several interruptions to water supply for residents in the Oakfield area, Island Echo are sought clarification on any refunds available following disruption to normal day-to-day life for many.
The spokesperson continued:
“Regarding compensation, our Guaranteed Standards of Service for domestic customers is available on our website.
“This customer charter emphasises our commitment to our domestic customers, detailing the minimum standards of service they can expect in our main areas of business.”
Anyone who has experienced three or more unplanned interruptions lasting more than 15 hours in total within the last 12 months can claim a £25 refund from Southern Water.
More information about Southern Water’s Guaranteed Standards of Service fro domestic customers can be found at https://www.southernwater.co.uk/about-us/about-southern-water/our-customer-promise/guaranteed-standards-of-service-for-domestic-customers/Default.asp.