Residents flooded with raw sewage for seventh time

Last Tuesday evening these residents' properties flooded for approximately the seventh time in two years.

After independent investigations, paid for by the NI Housing Executive some weeks ago, it was found that the sewer was blocked and was in need of urgent repair.

However, Mr Craig has said that NI Water have "failed to resolve the problem", meanwhile the residents of these Housing Executive properties are having to live with this every time there is heavy rain which puts additional pressure on the drains.

Local resident Jimmy Miller explained: "It is a total nightmare for four of us living in the area.

"It started two years ago and every time it rains the sewage backs up. My garden is covered in sewage and the smell is disgraceful," he continued.

"I have two grandchildren who live nearby and I can't have them visit."

Mr. Craig was critical of NI Water for failing to rectify the situation. "This is an appalling case of neglect," said Mr Craig.

"After independent investigations some weeks ago it was found that the sewer was blocked and was in need of repair to prevent this problem from recurring.

"As the property is owned by the NI Housing Executive there is also an obligation on them, as the landlord, to get this problem sorted; but the buck ultimately rests with NI Water.

"It is unacceptable in the 21st Century to have raw sewage running openly in a public street, never mind a property.

"There are obvious health issues here and I have therefore referred this issue to the Environmental Health Department.

A spokesperson for NI Water said: "NI Water is aware of a reoccurring blockage in the sewerline serving the Ambleside Crescent estate in Lisburn.

"NI Water has desilted this pipe on many occasions, however, the silt continues to build up and cause blockages.

"NI Water is committed to resolving this problem and is making efforts to carryout a major cleaning operation of the sewer.

"Once this is done, NI Water will carryout a CCTV survey to ensure there are no further underlying problems and this will hopefully resolve this issue," she concluded.

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