Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he first received a complaint about a burst water main opposite 21–23 Saintfield road, Ballygowan; on what date the water main was repaired; why the water service was unable to repair the mains earlier; what is the estimated total loss of water in gallons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Department of the Environment was notified on 21 June 1993 about a leaking hydrant opposite 21–23 Saintfield road, Ballygowan, and the repair was carried out on 1 July. During the period from 21 June to 1 July there were six burst mains, 25 burst service pipes and 16 leaking valves in the area requiring urgent repair as they were causing loss of water pressure and supply to consumers; the leaking hydrant was causing neither. It was not seen as a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic and the other repairs were given priority. The estimated loss of water was 72,000 gallons.