NI WATER have warned the public their work is essential and their staff are frontline workers after an Enniskillen substation was damaged by a fire last week

A spokesperson said: "NI Water would like to remind the public that our frontline workers and contractors are working on your behalf to maintain essential services.

"Our top priority in the current pandemic is to keep you and your families safe through the provision of safe drinking water, and the recycling of used water back to the environment.

"A fire, started deliberately at an NI Water sewage pumping station in Enniskillen in the early hours of Wednesday morning, October 14, caused severe damage to the building and the adjoining NI Electricity substation at Quay Lane car park in the town."

NI Water provides 575 million litres of safe drinking water and recycles 340 million litres of used water back to the natural environment. It costs around £460m each year to deliver water services in Northern Ireland.

NI Wastewater Area Manager, Eamon McManus, said: "This deliberate act of vandalism at an NI Water sewage pumping station was reckless.

"It is important for everyone to remember that NI Water’s key workers provide a critical public service which has never been more essential to the health and wellbeing of our customers, particularly as handwashing is essential in the battle against Covid-19.

“The pumping station has been very badly damaged, with repair work estimated to cost around £20,000. Our staff had to work into the early hours of the morning, to tanker water away from the pumping station.

"Every day, NI Water staff work tirelessly to make sure that supply interruptions are avoided or minimised.

"If senseless acts of vandalism continue, NI Water may not be able to maintain our essential services in the area.

"We would urge anyone who witnesses any incidents of anti-social behaviour to report them to the PSNI, or Waterline at 03457 440088.”