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Scottish Water has announced the start of three new multi-million pound investment projects across the Highlands and Islands.
In Newtonmore, Benbecula and Shetland, Scottish Water delivery partner, Caledonia Water Alliance, are carrying out essential upgrades of the water and waste water networks.
In Newtonmore a £4 million investment in the waste water network begins, aimed at addressing historical sewer flooding issues in the village's Main Street. Around 650m of new sewer will be laid, and new manholes constructed along its route. A customer information event was held last year to update residents on the work and related traffic management.
Meanwhile on Benbecula there's a 15-month programme of work to upgrade around 10km of drinking water network – totalling £2.5 million. And on Shetland £2.6 million is being invested to upgrade 6.4km of drinking water network in Aith and Braewick. It's expected this will take around eight months to complete. Both of these water network upgrades will ensure the local communities can continue to enjoy clear, fresh drinking water, while reducing the chance of pipes bursting in these areas.
Scottish Water's Corporate Affairs Manager in the North, Gavin Steel, said: "Last year we invested over £886 million in Scotland's critical water and waste water infrastructure, and this year we aim to continue that momentum with £400 million already spent in the financial year to September 2023 - £70 million more than the previous year.
"Upgrading or building new infrastructure is vitally important to achieve excellent service for our customers on a sustainable basis, whether that's ensuring that world-class drinking water is always available on tap, with lower risk of pipes bursting; or reducing the risk of sewer flooding through improving the waste water network.
"We know that we need sustained investment to meet our customers' expectations, while addressing climate change impacts, meeting our net zero commitments and responding to the challenges of ageing infrastructure."
