Member Article

Partnerships announced in multi-million pound North East sewer network scheme

Multi-million pound contracts have been awarded to maintain the sewer network in the North East of England.

The framework partnerships announced by Northumbrian Water are worth up to £247m over nine years and will ensure the underground sewerage network functions appropriately in the future.

Two companies have been chosen to carry out the work throughout the region, from Berwick down to North Yorkshire and across the Pennines, which is expected to be worth around £27.5 million pounds in total per year.

The partnership contracts have been awarded to Esh Construction, based in Bowburn, County Durham and Seymour (Civil Engineering Contactors (CEC)) based in Hartlepool.

Work involves improvements to nearly 30,000km of the underground sewer pipes, including repair and maintenance, blockage clearance and the provision of a 24/7 emergency call out cover every day of the year.

Mike Madine, Sewerage and New Development Manager for Northumbrian Water, said: “We are making significant investments to look after our sewer network in order to be better prepared for the future.

“We are committed to reducing the risk of sewer blockages, flooding and pollution occurring in our region and these contracts are a key part in us achieving that. Doing this is essential in delivering great customer service, while protecting and enhancing the environment is at the core of our business.

“It’s great news for our customers who rightly expect a top quality service from us and it’s great news for the companies that have been chosen, as we help to support the regional economy and employment.”

Stephen Wilkie, Regional Managing Director of Esh Construction, part of Esh Group, said: “We are both proud and delighted to have been reappointed to carry out this important work for Northumbrian Water and to serve the region in this way.

“The huge amount of work that goes into looking after the sewerage network often goes unseen – by its very nature it’s ‘underground’. Providing the 24/7 reactive service to deal with any issues and difficulties and delivering the planned maintenance programme is really important to the smooth running of the system – and the whole area.”

Kevin Byrne, Managing Director of Seymour CEC, said: “The award of the framework is fantastic news for Seymour Civil Engineering. It secures jobs and our position as a market leader and specialist in the water sector, whilst offering future employment opportunities and enhances potential community benefits.

“We are primed to deliver successful outcomes for Northumbrian Water throughout the AMP period.”

Further framework contract announcements will follow throughout the year when Northumbrian Water names its chosen partners to deliver investment for the company’s major capital works on sewerage networks and sewage treatment assets.

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