Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) has awarded a £50million water and sewerage networks service contract to Meridian Utilities Ltd. It is expected that the new contract will deliver efficiencies of up to £9m in operating expenditure over the contract’s four years.

Based in Gilnahirk, Belfast and with offices in Dungiven and Omagh, Meridian Utilities Ltd will support NI Water by providing a range of water and sewerage services, including sewer and watermain repairs and maintenance; clearing of sewer blockages; leakage repairs and minor water and sewerage infrastructure improvements.

The new contract will replace 10 individual contracts that were awarded to 31 suppliers, which only allowed for minimal cost or service improvements. When NI Water was established, a contract management unit was set-up to provide enhanced and centralised management which would allow for greater consistency and control.

NI Water’s Chairman and Chief Executive Chris Mellor said:

“NI Water is engaged in a major change process that will transform the service our customers receive. By awarding the water and sewerage networks service contract to one company, it will allow us to increase our focus on cost efficiency and value for money. We are also confident that customers will experience an improved service.

“We are particularly pleased that it was a local Northern Ireland company which provided the best offer and won this substantial contract.”

Kenny Mills, Director with Meridian Utilities Ltd commented,

“We are extremely pleased to have won this contract and strongly believe that Meridian will provide a major contribution to NI Water’s development and service to customers. NI Water has made a significant investment in a local company that will benefit the economy, environment and the whole community.”

Meridian Utilities Ltd, who employ around 200 staff directly, were awarded the contract following a rigorous procurement process.