Water Authority extending pipeline on Cayman Brac
(CNS): The Water Authority (WA) has begun laying new pipeline in the West End of Cayman Brac, which will be followed by an upgrade to the water pipes servicing the island's main tourism area, including the Alexander Hotel, the Brac Reef Beach Resort and the Brac Caribbean and Carib Sands condominiums. Currently this area receives water piped under airport property, which the WA has said must be removed to comply with revised international safety standards. New pipes now being laid along Gerrard Smith Avenue, from the Cross Road to Bert Marson Drive on the South Side, will connect to the water piped along the southwest down to the Brac Reef. The WA says the project is part of its 10-year capital plan to expand its water infrastructure on the island.
“The existing water distribution system was installedin 1991, and has not been extended significantly over the last 20+ years," said WA Deputy Director Tom van Zanten. "Since then several homes have been constructed on the side roads off Gerrard Smith Avenue which do not have access to piped water. Also some land owners in this area have indicated that they would build homes if piped water was available.
“Additionally part of the existing main pipeline is within the airport property, and as a result of revised international safety and security requirements must be removed. The new pipeline will ensure that the Water Authority can deliver piped water efficiently and reliably to more customers," van Zanten said.
“As minister for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, I am very pleased to have the Water Authority start the piped water project on Cayman Brac,” said Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell. “This will encourage sustainable development and improve the quality of life for Cayman Brac residents.”
Initially pipes will be installed along Gerrard Smith Avenue and its side roads (Bertrand Avenue, Bluff Boulevard, Marie Avenue, and Warbler Road). Afterwards, the existing pipeline along the south coast (Bert Marson Drive, Channel Road) will be upgraded to 6-inch diameter to increase the capacity of the system and improve reliability, the WA said in a release.
This project, which started this week, comprises the installation of approximately three miles of pipework and is expected to continue for a period of approximately eight months. Work started at the intersection with Cross Road, continuing east along Gerrard Smith Avenue.
An experienced four-man pipelaying crew has been relocated from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac, and they will work with two labourers hired locally. Equipment and materials arrived by barge last week (see photo above).
The Water Authority does not anticipate any road closures during the pipelaying work but motorists traveling in the area affected are urged to proceed with caution and obey all road signs. Traffic flow will be facilitated at either end using flag men.
“I am very excited to see the Water Authority return to Cayman Brac to carry out major work on the piped water infrastructure and I look forward to the start of this important project,” said Kurt Tibbetts, Minister of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure.
Lemuel Hurlston, Chairman of the Water Authority Board stated, "The board of directors is delighted to direct the considerable investments in the proposed major infrastructure development works in Cayman Brac. We are confident that these will offer employment opportunities while expanding the services to residents and businesses there and ultimately to Little Cayman."
Category: Local News
Ten miles of pipe in ten years, sounds doable…
I sincerely hope that this is being paid with funds derived from the Brac and Grand Cayman is not subsidising them yet again.
Get off your high horse 7:50. I'm sure you've never paid more for water than I will when I finally get piped water. Just because you live in Grand Cayman doesn't mean you're entitled to any more than were are in the Brac.
It is more that Brackers think they are entitled to everything that is on GC that is the problem.
And entitled to subsidies and government hand outs left, right and center.
The customers nearest the source of production always subsidise those farthest away. It doesn't matter if the product is water, electricity, or telephone service.
Do you think it is feasible to charge every customer a different rate for water, electricity, or telephone service?
Oh good grief! Get over it! Grand Cayman has had the lion's share of money spent in the Cayman Islands forever! Your "taxes" don't do a thing for Brac or Little!
Being responsible for 97% of the economy, GC is more than entitled to receive "the lion's share". The Lessers are a drain.
If you know your history, maybe if the Brac did not subsidiseGrand Cayman in the early years Grand Cayman would not be here.
Wishful thinking little one, wishful thinking!!!
Oh go on, give us a laugh and explain that one.
Wishful thinking my friend. The water authority will never get their investment back in a hundred years. If we want to give Dart something we should give him the Brac and save a bunch of money.
I live on Warbler Road I really hope will happen at last. Been look for that for a long time now.. Thanks
You soon won't be allowed to build cisterns there either!
Way to go Moses show JuJu how it's done.
I I hope the pipes are are stronger than the ones they’re using in Cayman & the Road work is also better etc! Wp n GC
Unfortunately it is, sitting there, draining resources day and night.
They will be if pipe is not left out in the sun till they get around to putting it in the ground. Hope they sift the trench backfill properly and not just throw it back in the hole.
Totally agree, WAC really need to be held to task when reinstating road surface. All road reinstatement work should be subject to inspection and approval by NRA. I'm sure private contractors are held to a higher standard when reinstating road surfaces, why not WAC as well?
So are they digging up JuJu's works?
Most likely.
Like a moth to a flame, the Water Authority is irresistably drawn to a newly paved road and begins to dig it up.
I thought the same thing. You know how much money will have been wasted IF this is the case?
No. The trencher will be digging in the road reserve, not into the paved surface, There should be very minimal damage to the new paving. Find something else to complain about.