The programme replaces water mains across the region, improving the quality, reliability and security of the water supply, while also reducing leakage.
NI Water and Lagan Construction have reached a major milestone of 1.5 million metres of pipe installed over the last 14 years.
Pipelaying has stretched throughout the province from Newry to Ballymena and covered the greater Belfast area with around 100 staff from Lagan Construction and 55 local sub-contractors involved at the height of the contract.
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Sara Venning, NI Water's Chief Executive, said: "I congratulate the NI Water team and Lagan Construction on reaching this ambitious 1.5 million watermains milestone. It comes at an opportune time, allowing us to celebrate the work done to date, but also to reinvigorate us in our quest to continue to improve drinking water quality and secure the water supply for everyone in Northern Ireland.
"This year is an important one for NI Water as we prepare our next business plan for the 2021 to 2027 period, setting out the investment needed and the funding required for the water and wastewater networks. Our plan details around £2.5 billion of capital investment needed to continue providing our essential services enabling economic growth, protecting our natural environment and safeguarding the population's health.
"Northern Ireland deserves a high quality, reliable water service and I can't stress enough the importance of this funding for Northern Ireland to continue to thrive."
Paddy Harney, Director, Lagan Construction added: "Our dedicated team are delighted to have reached this significant milestone on the Watermains Improvement Programme. Our team would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our stakeholders for their support and patience in delivering this vital infrastructure for the people of Northern Ireland."
(CM)
