RESIDENTS have begun moving back into their flooded homes as the clean-up progresses after last week’s water main burst in Tamworth.
Tamworth Regional Council has been spearheading the clean-up operation of the eight properties off Armidale Road, following the July 2 emergency.
On Wednesday, the residents of five houses, who were shifted into temporary accommodation after the water inundated their homes, were allowed to return permanently.
“All homes have been professionally cleaned and dried, and residents have begun moving back into their homes as of [Wednesday],” council’s acting manager of water and waste operations, Matt Hollis, told The Leader on Thursday.
“Repair assessments commenced [on Thursday] by independent building consultants, and it is expected that any further repairs will commence next week.”
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- Council received a tip-off about a water leak in East Tamworth five days before a main failed and inundated eight houses.
- How it unfolded: residents left without water until 11.30pm
- Tamworth Regional Council says no way to test for water main failure
The water main burst in the early hours of July 2, with council workers doorknocking properties to alert residents.
Eight houses suffered significant damage as a result of the water main failure.
The cooler temperatures had prolonged the clean-up, council said, but the damage bill was still unknown.
“Until the independent assessments are complete and claims lodged, council cannot provide an accurate cost of the damage caused by the main break,” Mr Hollis said.
Until the independent assessments are complete and claims lodged, council cannot provide an accurate cost of the damage caused by the main break.
- Acting manager of water and waste operations, Matt Hollis
“Council staff are continuing to work closely with affected residents and property owners.”
Despite the loss or significant damage to sentimental items and furniture, residents told The Leader they praised the council’s swift action in the wake of the flooding emergency.
Experts advised the council the clean-up process would take longer because of the cooler conditions, but buildings had to be dried correctly to avoid future risks such as mould.
The water main has been repaired.
