A water pipe in Benenden, which has burst 14 times in the last five years, is to finally be replaced in a £400,000 investment into the area’s water supply network.
Image SE Water
Around 1.1 kilometres of unreliable pipeline in Golford Road, Benenden, will be renewed by drinking water only company South East Water.
The company say a failing pipe is unacceptable due to the impact this has with residents facing low pressure or no water each time it bursts.
Jeremy Dufour, Project Manager for South East Water, said: “We know how frustrating bursts and leaks can be. Not only does it impact our customers’ supply but there’s also the resulting traffic disruption when the pipe needs to be repaired.
“By replacing this substantial section of water main within Golford Road, we can reduce the likelihood of bursts and continue to keep top quality drinking water flowing to our customers.
”The project is due to begin on Monday 9 October and is expected to take approximately 11 weeks to complete. For the safety of the public and South East Water’s team, Golford Road will be closed from between its junctions with Tenterden Road and Goddards Green Road.
Jeremy continued: “Road closures are always a last resort, however, safety is always our top priority. There will be a diversion signposted for the duration of the works, and access will be maintained for residents and businesses.
“I’d like to thank the community in advance for their patience and understanding while we carry out this vital work.”
Phil Jones, Head of Leakage Operations for South East Water, added: “With 9,000 miles of pipeline and over six million joints it’s inevitable that there will be unexpected failures with the pressures these have to face.
“However, when a water main such as the one in Golford Road becomes consistently unreliable, engineering projects such as this are vital.
“I’m delighted to see another project of this nature about to begin to improving our infrastructure, protect the long term supply of water to the area, and reduce unexpected disruption to the community.
”Residents in the area will be able to keep up to date with progress by visiting southeastwater.co.uk/golfordroad.For more information on South East Water’s work to improve its network of pipes, visit southeastwater.co.uk/engineering.