‘Contact GEBE
before digging’
PHILIPSBURG--Utilities company GEBE is again urging all contractors carrying out any form of excavation works to contact it before digging, to avoid disruptions in electricity and water service to consumers.
“To know what’s underground, contractors planning to carry out digging, trenching, grading or excavating works would feel more at ease to know whether there is utility infrastructure at the site,” it was stated in a press release issued by the Government Information Service (GIS). “If underground cabling is at the planned excavation location, GEBE would then be able to mark the area or notify the contractor that the area is clear.”
GEBE Managing Director William Brooks said it was all about safety and limiting inconvenience to the public. “Calling before you dig can save your life in the sense of personal injury from shock or electrocution, and it can save you money from a damage claim. GEBE would like to eliminate any inconvenience to electricity and water consumers on the island.
“In the past, excavation activities carried out have caused disruption to the electrical distribution network, thereby causing unnecessary damage to GEBE’s cables and plunging the island into darkness for hours, inconveniencing consumers.
“In 2008 we want to eliminate this and it only can be done with the cooperation of contractors. Just give us a call and we will be glad to assist contractors by informing them if we have electrical and water mains in the location where they will be excavating or trenching,” Brooks was quoted as saying in the release.
Contractors can contact GEBE at tel. 542-2213, extension 2220 or 2233, and their calls will be directed to the department that can assist them.
