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Outdated power supply cable cause of water cut

The over 48 hour water cut in the Greater Colombo area was due to the failure of an outdated power supply cable at the Ambatale Pump House, a Water Board official said.

Water Board's Deputy General Manager (Greater Colombo) H.G. Thilakaratne told the Daily News yesterday noon that restoration work had been completed.

"Arrangements are now being made to install a new stand-by cable set with the help of the Ceylon Electricity Board to prevent a recurrence," he said.

However, Thilakaratne said even after restoring the damaged cable, it would take a minimum of 15 hours for the water supply to return to normality. Thousands of residents in the Greater Colombo area were affected by the sudden water failure from Saturday afternoon. The first break-down was reported around 2.30 pm yesterday when one cable supplying power burst. It was repaired by 8.45 pm.

Again at 3.00 pm on Sunday, another cable failed, affecting the city's water distribution network. "It was also repaired the same night, but it would take around 15 hours for the water supply to return to normality," Thilakaratne added.

He said although the cable is 10-15 year's old, they could normally be used for 20 years.

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