NI Water has announced the completion of a £7 million Flood Alleviation Project which will benefit the Ravenhill Avenue Area of South Belfast.

Delivered as part of the Living With Water in Belfast Plan the project aimed to help protect against flooding, improve the water environment and provide the increased capacity needed for economic growth.

Due to some sewers in the area dating back to the early 1900's and being in poor condition, the project has improved the sewers and has significantly reduced the risk of 'out-of-sewer' flooding and environmental pollution in the area.

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The project has also removed approximately nine hectares of stormwater from the combined sewerage network, allowing it to return directly to the River Lagan.

David McClean, NI Water's Senior Project Manager said: "We are delighted to announce the completion of this major flood alleviation project for the Ravenhill Avenue area, which will bring many improvements to our customers including reduced flood risk and enhanced sewerage infrastructure.

"This has been a very challenging project, working in a built-up busy residential area and dealing with existing infrastructure that is more than 100 years old.

"Through this project we have constructed 1,500m of new sewers to protect properties from the risk of out-of-sewer flooding.

"We have been on site for more than two years, and we really do appreciate the continued patience and understanding of the local community.

"The project team including contractor GEDA and AECOM has really enjoyed working with the local community including local schools, churches and community groups and we trust that the community will benefit from the new infrastructure for many years to come."