Band Calls For Outside Help To Repair Water System

Band Calls For Outside Help To Repair Water System

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 14:56

 

 

The Fond du Lac First Nation has declared a “state of emergency” over its ongoing water woes.

 

The band’s water system has “failed”, resulting in extended periods without water and school closures over the last couple of weeks.

 

The First Nation has requested “external expertise” and personnel from Indian Affairs and the Prince Albert Grand Council.

 

The band says the problems might result in long-term damage to its water system if not addressed right away.

 

Indian Affairs says the water issue at Fond du Lac should be over soon.

 

Spokesman Trevor Sutter says as far as the department has been told, a pump in a new well has broken down, causing the band to switch to an older well, which is limiting the water production.

 

Sutter says his organization is keeping a watchful eye on the situation, and believes it’s just a matter of time before the new well is operational again.

 

He says the department has contingency plans should the drinking water supply be cut off.

 

The chief of the First Nation has not been immediately available for comment.