A ruptured pipeline in San Fernando caused a disruption in water supply for several customers, inconvenienced commuters and affected several businesses along Coffee Street on Wednesday.
The 400mm transmission pipeline began leaking overnight, resulting in gallons of water flowing onto the street and into nearby buildings.
The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) initiated emergency repairs which were scheduled to be completed at 8 o’clock Wednesday night, according to a press release.
The road between Marryat Street and Standard Distributors was blocked off and traffic heading from Cipero Road diverted through Marryat Street.
According to the release, customers in several areas, including Coffee Street and side streets, High Street, Prince of Wales Street, parts of Mon Repos, Bertrand Street and Navet Road were affected.
WASA advised motorists to proceed with caution near the job site and obey the directions of the police officers, as traffic was being diverted to accommodate repairs, inclusive of road restoration.
The authority thanked customers and commuters for their patience and understanding.
San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello visited the site. He was confident that the repairs would be completed by the end of the day.
He said, “WASA is on the ball and I must commend them for the quick response, they have a crew here working. We are going to augment the service by providing a backhoe in the next half an hour or so, to work at a faster rate to ensure that we have the repairs done.”
However, he acknowledged the work would cause some inconvenience to members of the public and proprietors who would be “handicapped” by the operation.
Apologising to them, Regrello said, “It is unfortunate, I mean the pipes are very old. They really need replacing but we are working feverishly and I think by the end of the day we shall have this matter completed.”
One business owner told Guardian Media sales were slow due to the restricted access to her business.
Officers of the Southern Division police were on site directing traffic and maintaining order.