Chetumal., Q.R. — Water has been restored to the city of Chetumal after a construction accident Wednesday. On Thursday, the Drinking Water and Sewerage Commission (CAPA) reported the successful repair of a punctured 36 inch line that left streets flooded.
A backhoe operator accidentally punctured the main city line Wednesday afternoon while working in the area. The incident happened beside a busy Chetumal highway that caused traffic chaos.
Cars were at a near standstill in a multi-kilometer long line due to the high pressure water flood and subsequent repair that required heavy machinery.
In a statement Thursday, Comisión de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado (CAPA) reported on the successful repair and gradual return of pressure.
The company reported working day and night to replace the badly damaged section of 36-inch pipe.
“With heavy machinery, motor pumps and personnel working day and night, in less than 24 hours the leak was repaired and water being pumped from the Ucum catchment area,” CAPA reported.
“This pressurization process must be done carefully to expel the air accumulated in the pipe, achieve the adequate flow of water and carry out the necessary tests to ensure the arrival of the vital liquid to the city,” they said.
Due to the long repressurizing process, water is expected to be fully reestablished for Friday.
