States services working round the clock

Guernsey Water and States Works repaired a burst wastewater pipe by Vazon pumping station early on Monday night to avoid potential sewage pollution.

Steve Langlois, Guernsey Water managing director, said it probably could not have happened at a worse time.

‘Fortunately we were able bring in staff from various sections to assist our contractors Geomarine,’ he said.

‘They worked in very difficult conditions to avoid what might otherwise have been a serious incident.’

With Guernsey Water and States Works colleagues in self-isolation, staff have been redeployed to maintain services.

Customer support is available by phone, email and online while the Guernsey Water HQ is currently closed.

Staff are processing a higher volume of enquiries while assisting States Works to empty cesspits, which need more frequent emptying after bad weather and islanders staying home.

‘The water table is currently high after the wet winter, which has probably increased demand further.’

Households finding they require excessive loads are urged to have their cesspits surveyed once restrictions permit.

‘It could be that groundwater is getting in, which is costing them money and causing unnecessary journeys, which has an environmental impact.

‘It also puts added pressure on the service at times like this.’

Additional cesspit emptying points have temporarily opened at L’Eree and Vazon to shorten journey times, which has increased the number of daily collections.

States Works managing director, Paul Lickley, said flexibility is an important even in normal times.

‘We are very used to dealing with emergencies, such as when the island is hit by storms or snow,’ he said.

‘In those instances, staff will be reassigned from their normal roles to maintain lifeline services and ensure normal service is resumed as quickly as possible.’

Self-isolation requirements at very short notice have strained the workforce, so flexibility has been more important than ever.

‘As always we are incredibly proud and grateful to our staff for their hard work and dedication.’

Most public waste and recycling sites are closed, yet Longue Hougue’s transfer station has remained open to process household and essential business waste collections.