TelEm Group has granted access through its property to government contractors laying underground pipes for the ongoing Great Salt Pond storm water pumps project.
When completed, the ANG 4.5 Million project of underground pipes and three pumps will help to keep the Great Salt Pond and areas like Pond Island from flooding after heavy rainfall and during the annual hurricane season.
Earlier this year TelEm Group granted permission to government and contractors to carry the pipes from a new 36 inch pump through TelEm Group property on its way through the Great Salt Pond and onto the pump house, Sucker Garden Road.
When completed, the system will be able to remove 178,560,000 gallons of water to the Rolandus Canal and Great Bay – effectively keeping TelEm Group’s main building and other properties on Pond Island from the type of flooding that has taken place in the past.
TelEm Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mrs. Helma Etnel says any actions that will mitigate against flooding on Pond Island has the company’s full support. She said the company was more than happy to cooperate with government by providing access through company property for an important section of the piping system.
"We have seen in the past how inconvenient it can be and how business can be affected by flooding of the Great Salt Pond, especially during the hurricane season, so we very much welcome this initiative," said Mrs. Etnel.
The CFO reminded that as good corporate citizens, TelEm Group has worked closely with government on other important community projects in the past including construction of the Harbour Terminal Building in Point Blanche, the Festival Village at Pond Island, benches and trash cans for the Boardwalk and Frontstreet.
According to Mrs. Etnel there are plans to continue this cooperation in other areas and these will be announced in due course..
The piping works began on the TelEm Group property two three weeks ago and was completed last week.
Workmen are now busy with restoration of soil, fencing and landscaping on the TelEm Group property.