Achi news desk-
The City of Calgary declared a state of local emergency Saturday morning in response to the latest developments in a water main break affecting the city.
On Friday, city officials released an assessment that revealed five more hot spots need repairs, which they say will be done simultaneously using several private contractors as well as city crews.
The early assessment suggests it could take another three to five weeks to complete the repairs.
“The decision to declare a State of Local Emergency was not taken lightly, and was done to ensure we are prepared for all eventualities in the campaign to make this water main restoration work as quick and safe as possible,” said the Mayor of Calgary . Jyoti Gondek.
Gondek said the declaration of a state of local emergency is related to the repair process which may involve going onto private property. when carrying out repairs, and not to the water supply.
“The state of the local emergency is not related to the water level in the reservoirs.” Gondek said, in response to a question from a reporter.
Gondek said the city reached out to industry for help to help fix the five hot spots at the same time.
“This is all a practical situation,” he said.
She was also adamant about the need for Calgarians to continue cutting water use after Friday’s usage level came in at 484 million litres, the same as Thursday.
“I must ask you to do a little more,” he said.
He also said Calgarians should take advantage of the rainy weekend forecast for the city.
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.
The next update from the city is scheduled for 2 pm on Saturday. Log in to CTV Calgary to watch it live.
