Severe frosts this winter have created serious problems for utility services — water supply accidents are occurring both on the streets and in residential areas, reports TV3 News.
Last night in Tornakalns, a street was flooded due to a pipe burst. Services note that the number of accidents has increased several times due to the cold, and with the approaching thaw, a new wave of damage is possible, reports TV3.
Residents of Tornakalns were greeted last night by an unpleasant sight — a flooded street and, judging by the appearance, a hot water pipe burst. However, it turned out that it was cold water, which created noticeable steam in the frost. On Wednesday, the work of the crews and the columns frozen into the ice testified to the accident on the water supply. The roadway has been cleared, but a slippery section on the sidewalk became an unpleasant surprise for many.
One cyclist slipped and fell but quickly got up and continued moving. A pedestrian following him also slipped badly but managed to stay on his feet. Meanwhile, workers marked the spot on the asphalt with spray paint, under which the damaged pipe is located. Then the asphalt cutter and excavator came into play.
Rīgas ūdens explained that a 150-millimeter diameter water pipe had cracked, leaving one house without water supply, and the consequences have been resolved.
Sandris Vanzovič, head of the communication department of Rīgas ūdens, noted: "In winter, the specifics are different — due to ground movement, accidents occur; it is no longer a small leak but a pipe break. Water comes out with great intensity and lifts the asphalt surface, looking like serious damage, although nothing tragic is happening. This particular accident did not create major problems."
Overall, there is a lot of work during the cold period. If in summer there is an average of one water supply accident per day, this winter, during the cold period, there are 3-4 accidents per day. There are concerns that there will be a lot more work to do.
"We had 7-8 crews working at night as well, contractors were involved, and the load was significant. The situation has now somewhat normalized. We are anxiously awaiting the weekend when a thaw is promised — then there will be a second wave when what was well-frozen thaws," said Vanzovič.
Water pipe breaks create serious problems for property managers as well. Additionally, access to the apartment where the break occurred cannot be gained without the owner's permission — this complicates the situation even more.
Inita Kabanova, a representative of Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks, said: "In houses without central heating, where pellets or gas are used, the situation is very difficult. During these cold weeks, we visited almost 180 houses to help. This is literally a 24/7 job. Most often, because some apartment is left without heating, freezing begins there, and then it has to be thawed. A big thank you to the residents who come in, let the workers in, and maintain warmth in the apartment; otherwise, the pipe freezes again, and neighbors become hostages."
Insurers expect that many claims will be filed this winter, but so far, the overall information on the number of cases has not been summarized.
