East Belfast MP Naomi Long has met with executives at Northern Ireland Water (NIW) to seek updates on the progress being made regarding sewerage improvements to address the issue of ongoing serious flooding in her constituency.

Mrs Long spoke to NIW Chief Executive Trevor Haslett and Director of Engineering Procurement Bill Gowdy to raise the issues of out-of-sewer flooding, which has affected several areas, including Ballyhackamore, Cregagh, Gilnahirk and Stormont, as well as the repeat flooding in Sydenham linked to the pumping station there.

She said NIW had informed her they were working on a plan of action in relation to Sydenham Pumping Station, which has continued to cause problems for local residents, most recently in April of this year.

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She said: "NIW has undertaken work at the station and they are continuing to do so as part of a £3.6 million refurbishment, which will see transformers replaced and renovation of the pumps. The pumping station has been manned 24 hours a day and that will continue until NIW are satisfied it is working effectively, assurances which I sought at a recent public meeting.

"In addition, they are expecting to receive a further report looking at sewer capacity in the vicinity and options for diverting flood water away from houses in an emergency situation. Across East Belfast, there is a need for significant investment in the drainage and sewerage infrastructure, in order that the Drainage Area Plan can be implemented to help address some of the repeat flooding.

"I have also written again to the Regional Development Minister to ensure funding is made for these schemes, due to their importance to the local area, and I will remain in regular contact with NIW to make certain they progress those plans."

(CD/JP)