A leak from 2 months in front of them

Photo Matthieu Payen
Mustapha Bentajer feared that the broken water main in front of his home in December is damaging the foundations of its housing if it is not repaired quickly.

Matthew Payen

Saturday, 17 February, 2018 01:00

UPDATE
Saturday, 17 February, 2018 01:00

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Residents of the borough of Ahuntsic fear that a leak is water damage to their properties, after having waited two months for the City to intervene, in vain.

Mustapha Bentajer couldn’t believe it when he tried Tuesday to follow up with the City on a report of a water leak in front of him.

“The clerk of the district I was told that this file was closed because the problem was solved,” says the Montrealer, who has regularly called upon the City for the past two months.

Yet, as The Journal noted yesterday morning, the pipe continues to flow large amounts of water in the street. And it lasts for the 18 December, testified Mr. Bentajer.

“In the beginning, there was only a hole in the floor through which water passed ; now there’s five of,” he says.

Previous damage

Yet, he had immediately called 311, noting the flow of water. Three teams from the district came on the day and the next day. But in the last two months, no repair has been undertaken.

“The only thing they have done is to install signs prohibiting the parking lot. And yet, it is because I’ve warned of the risks of subsidence of the floor, ” he says.

He feared that the leaking water is damaging the foundations of their dwellings.

“It’s already happened there a dozen years, tells his neighbor, who requested anonymity. We reported a breakage, but the City has been slow to act and conduct broke out. My garage was flooded and it cost $ 75, 000 in compensation to the City. “

Mr. Bentajer is also concerned that the leak weakens the gas pipe that passes in front of its building.

“I know well what kind of pipe and it rust when it remains permanently in the water,” says one who works as an operator of thermal power plant.

Too much snow

Bored of waiting, the Montreal-hope to finally be heard.

“I know that the water is flowing everywhere under the ground of the city, but I do not find it normal to pick me up, with an increase of the water tax without receiving the services that go with it,” he says, his account of the fees in hand.

The borough of Ahuntsic explained not to have acted sooner, as the situation is “currently under control” and ” does not present any particular danger to the population “.

“You need to understand that our staff have been very busy with the loading of the snow, with which the falls are abundant this winter,” adds, by e-mail to the spokesperson, Michèle Blais.

It asserts, however, that the work will begin next week in favor of a thaw announced.

On the other hand, the district is not able to tell if the broken water main may have effects on the conduct of gases that is of concern Mr. Bentajer.