Further planning applications to upgrade the water infrastructure in the east end have been submitted for approval.

The applications - described as tender package four - propose the partial demolition and repurposing of several buildings and equipment off Orange Hole Road in St David’s and trenching work in the area.

The project also includes the installation of reclaimed and wastewater piping, a new emergency sewage overflow borehole, a new emergency backup generator and automated transfer system.

The work is part of a larger $5 million revitalisation of the ageing water and sewage system in St George’s and St David’s.

The Ministry of Public Works has said the water infrastructure in Southside was in a “progressing state of disrepair” and major upgrades were needed to ensure the system could meet the demands of customers during the summer months.

The project is also intended to help boost the economy through the creation of construction jobs.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, said the project would be divided into multiple tender packages in an effort to give more contractors an opportunity to benefit.

Colonel Burch said: “This is a massive undertaking that involves laying underground piping throughout the whole of Southside and the Parish of St George.

“The sheer scale of work to be done is painstaking but critical to realising the commitment to improving this important aspect of the island’s infrastructure.”

He added that the project is also intended to serve as a template for further water infrastructure improvements across the island.