Serious concerns have been raised following action by the regulator Ofwat, which has announced a proposed £44.7 million enforcement package against Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water after what it described as “serious and unacceptable” failures in how the company operated and maintained its sewage network.
The investigation found that Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water failed to properly operate, maintain and upgrade parts of its wastewater system, resulting in excessive sewage spills into the environment. The proposed enforcement package includes £40.6 million to reduce future spills and £4.1 million aimed at improving river quality. The regulator has confirmed that the costs will be met by the company rather than through higher bills for customers.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Senedd Member for Aberconwy said:
“These findings are extremely concerning and will frustrate many residents who expect our rivers, coastline and environment to be properly protected.
It is particularly shocking that while these failures were occurring, senior executives were receiving significant performance bonuses. For many people that raises serious questions about accountability and priorities within the company.
There are also understandable concerns about the background of the new chief executive at his time at Sydney Water and the reports of challenges within the company and the unions. If Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water wants to rebuild trust, it must demonstrate clear leadership, transparency and a genuine commitment to improving performance.
“With Wales experiencing far higher levels of sewage discharges than England, the continued inaction from both Dŵr Cymru and the Labour Welsh Government is compromising our waterways and failing communities who rightly expect better.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
