Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any recent discussions she has had with NI Water to ensure customers are adequately informed on (i) planned; and (ii) unplanned, water infrastructure repairs.
Minister for Infrastructure: I have not had any recent meetings with NI Water specifically with regards to water infrastructure repairs as these are operational matters for NI Water to address. However, I can advise that NI Water has an information facility on its website called What’s Happening In Your Area – Northern Ireland Water which provides the latest information on repairs, supply interruptions and planned improvements. This page is updated daily. In addition, NI Water issues press releases, calls with potentially affected customers, if applicable, and updates local political representatives. Where appropriate, NI Water will also hold information days for residents to discuss any queries with NI Water staff and contractors. As some projects are lengthy, communication channels such as mobile numbers and direct e-mail addresses are kept open to address any ongoing queries throughout the duration of the works.
If emergency repairs are required, it may not be possible to inform customers immediately, but NI Water will update customers via social media pages.
ENDS
