First major infrastructure project of 2026 underway
More than 100 metres of new water main have been laid in Mill Street, as part of the first major infrastructure project of 2026.
Starting on 2nd January, the work will replace a main that was originally laid 80 years ago. After it burst twice in 2025, on one occasion flooding a business, it was decided to prioritise its replacement.
Capital Delivery Manager Carl Falla said:
“This is a major piece of work that will futureproof the main in that area until nearly the turn of the next century. We know this is disruptive work, and that’s why we chose January to start the work to allow the Christmas trading season to happen for the local businesses. We hand delivered letters to all of them and have kept access to businesses open throughout.
“Despite some extremely heavy rainfall during the works, teams have managed 10 metres of replacement a week. We’re using local two local contractors, Geomarine for the digging and replacement, and Tarmac Services for the reinstatement. By using local contractors wherever possible we keep skills and money in our economy.
To complete the work, teams have dug down to the old, cast iron main, isolated and removed it, before laying the new, more durable, plastic main. Each of the paving stones has to be scrubbed cleaned and then re-laid, a time consuming process. Once everything is backfilled and the paving stones re-laid, the section of the road can reopen to pedestrians.
“Doing nothing is not a cost-free option and simply stores up problems for the future. This is one project of many investing in critical infrastructure during 2026, when in total we expect to spend £7.8m. on maintaining and upgrading the island’s water and wastewater networks.”
Guernsey Water plans to invest nearly £130 million between now and 2037 to renew and improve critical infrastructure and better protect the island against future water shortages.