The interruption occurred when the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. inadvertently sliced through cables while attempting to locate and repair a section of a ruptured 16” water main underneath the eastbound lane of Chalan Monsignor Guerrero Highway, 50 meters past the Mobil station in Chalan Kiya.
Damaged in the excavation were 900-pair, 600-pair, and 100-pair cable lines that provide communication services to residents of Chalan Kiya, As Terlaje, Kanat Tabla, Fina Sisu, and portions of lower Dandan.
CUC water division personnel initiated excavation and exposed the cable locator warning tape at approximately 10:30 a.m. and adjusted their backhoe before they continued digging to a depth of approximately six feet.
When the pool of water was drained sufficiently, IT&E crews discovered that the 600-pair telephone cable (Cable 8) had been damaged extensively, with around 100 pairs severed as well as damage to the insulation and copper ground conductor.
After a preliminary survey, three IT&E and two AGA personnel were called out for the repair. Due to the level of the water in the pit and the number of CUC personnel working inside of the small confines of the excavated area, IT&E technicians were unable to commence repairs to the lines until 1 a.m., Monday, Aug. 2. The repair of the 600-pair cable was completed at approximately 7:30 a.m., followed by the restoration of the 900-pair cable prior some four hours later.
IT&E would like to remind all contractors, homeowners, and building owners of the importance of contacting IT&E prior to any type of digging.
When a cut to the cable occurs, offenders are charged as required by P.L. 9-4, The Commonwealth Utility Damage Prevention Act of 1994. Repairs carry a hefty price tag and deprive customers of their services.
For more information, call 682-4ITE (4483).
