Flood prevention work to be completed by autumn
Major flood prevention work in Tarbert is expected to be finished by autumn this year, a report has revealed.
The upgrade to the village’s sewer network has made ‘significant progress’ in addressing long-standing issues, it has been claimed by Scottish Water’s new communities manager for the west region.
Georgie Reid also told councillors the organisation was committed to working with the community and businesses while work is ongoing.
The report was set to go before Argyll and Bute Council’s Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area committee on Wednesday March 3.
In her report, Ms Reid said: ‘The old water main in Harbour Street has been successfully removed and replaced.
‘Progress was impacted due to high flows on the sewer network caused by heavy rainfall and high tides and our programme was revised to take this into account.
‘The next phase of the project started on Barmore Road (A83) on January 6, to carry out a watermain diversion and install a new sewer pipe.
Reassurance
‘We also provided reassurance to stakeholders that, following the restart of our essential capital programme after lockdown, Scottish Water and its alliance partners would be ensuring all Scottish government Covid-19 guidance for the construction sector and the public is followed.
‘We have taken all appropriate safety measures and precautions to protect our customers and our teams.
‘This includes measures to ensure safe working and safe distancing, safe working signs and welfare arrangements.
‘We are committed to working with the community and local businesses to minimise any potential impact, should work be required over the summer.
‘We are currently hoping to have the work completed by autumn 2021, although this could be impacted by weather and tidal flows.’
Ms Reid also gave an update on the £2.5 million investment on the Torra Water Treatment Works (WTW) project to improve water services on Islay, which she described as being well under way.
She said: ‘A state-of-the-art Transportable Treatment Unit (TTU) was delivered under police escort by land and sea in November to its permanent home at Torra WTW.
‘It will boost supplies, providing an additional 70,000 litres of drinking water every day to around 1,900 customers in Bowmore and Port Ellen areas.
‘It is part of an ongoing programme of works on the island.
‘Scottish Water thanks Argyll and Bute Council and communities for their collaboration and support.
‘Planning for a new pipe bridge has been approved to cross the River Torra north east of the treatment works.
‘This will support a short section of the 2k new raw water main being installed north of Torra WTW.
‘The new TTU should be in operation from spring following the mains installation.
‘This project is part of an ongoing programme of works on the island to upgrade water pipes to ensure customers continue to enjoy clear, fresh drinking water and reduce the chance of pipes bursting.’