Another challenge is the utility lines along the highways but Moody says that they have been working closely with the utility companies on what would need to take place:
Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer - MIDH
"Since we have started this project, we have had close consultation with all the utility companies, BEL, DIGI, and BWS. And so we have involved all three utility companies in all meetings that we've had so far. And they were also involved in the preliminary discussions before we even started these projects."
"Yes, there are a number of lines specifically for BTL and also for BWS that are within the road reserve. However, we're trying to work with these utility companies to ensure that damages to these lines are minimized as best as we can. In some instances, like for example, from Western Avenue to Faber's Road, BWS already has a water main there. And so what we're trying to do is to install a new water main using the construction activities that we will be implementing so that they don't need to affect that existing line that is there. And so we're working with them to try and achieve this goal as well. And we are aware as well that we have the fiber optic line for BTL that is also located along that corridor. However, based on the extent and surveys that we have done in conjunction with BTL, most of those lines will be located outside the scope of the works. We have some manholes that will fall within the corridor. And so we will work with them to try and relocate those manholes so that they could be outside the scope of work so that in the future, they have to do any remedial works along those lines that it is not within the corridor."
"Yes, there will be lines that will have to remain within the corridor because of where they are at this point in time. And the utility companies does not have funds to relocate all those lines outside the work because those will cost millions of dollars. And so some of their lines, especially BWS, will have to remain under the carriageway. And we will just have to hope that those lines are in good condition, that we don't have any damages to the highway going forward. But as best as we can, we're trying to move to new lines where possible. However, that has to be a collaborative effort between the utility companies and the MIDH. Because at many times, these utility companies believe that we have to pick up that expenditure. And as a project official, we cannot carry that burden for the utility companies. They have to meet us halfway or somewhere that we could assist them, but we cannot take that burden full-handed and just pay for the relocation of their lines."
"Bear in mind that those infrastructure works are what the utility companies will have to finance. And if they don't have the financing for it, then more than likely they will retain with the existing structures that are in place. We're giving them the opportunity now that we're doing excavation works. The trenches are open. If you want to come in and put in new lines, you have the opportunity to do so. And this is what I have discussed with the utility companies in the project meetings that we have with them. So we're giving them that opportunity now to do that. However, they have to ensure that they have the budget within their company to provide and install these new lines."
