THE Infrastructure Department is seeking extra funding of around £10 million per year from 2026 onwards to continue tackling a lack of capacity in the Island’s ageing sewer network.
Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan told States Members that his department was moving forward with projects to address the problem – but would eventually need more cash “to meet long-term needs”.
It emerged last year that the current sewer and drainage network would not be able to support the development of several sites rezoned for housing under the Bridging Island Plan.
During yesterday’s sitting of the States Assembly, Deputy Lucy Stephenson asked for an update on plans to boost its capacity.
Deputy Jehan said: “Much of the Island’s foul sewer network is nearing maximum capacity. We have managed to secure significant additional funding for 2024 and 2025 totalling £15.6m, to start the key infrastructure projects to address some of these wider network issues.”
He said that in the “short-term” this included projects at West Park, Maufant and the Airport, among other sites.
Deputy Jehan continued: “In order to meet the long-term needs the department is requesting additional funding from 2026 onwards, of approximately £10 million per annum, to address further infrastructure improvements to give the Island greater foul sewage capacity where it is required.”
He added that further local sewage network upgrades may also need to be implemented by developers to meet the “specific needs” of each site.
“My department is fully committed to delivering the required infrastructure provided that we can assure further funding in 2026 onwards.”
