The South Down MLA was speaking as Alliance launched a new policy paper, In Deep Water, laying out the problems with and solutions to fix our broken water and wastewater system. It follows decades of inaction by the Department for Infrastructure, leaving the infrastructure outdated and at maximum capacity.
 
Mr McMurray said fixing the system would allow NI Water to make the long-term investment necessary to allow homes, schools, hospitals and other buildings to be built on a large scale again.
 
“We have an over-stretched water system that pollutes our water, blocks essential infrastructure being built and stifles economic growth. That is without question,” he said.
 
“There are dozens of areas, including cities and towns, where no new development can happen. Add that to the fact around 20 million tonnes of untreated sewage is spilling into our waterways every year, putting people’s health at risk and damaging areas such as Lough Neagh, and it’s clear sitting on our hands is no longer an option.
 
“This chronic neglect long pre-dates the current Infrastructure Minister’s term, but he has also failed to bring forward any meaningful plans or creative thinking to address the situation. We need to see brave political decision-making, such as is contained in Alliance’s policy paper, to help deliver a sustainable new approach, including alternative funding and governance arrangements for NI Water. 
 
“It would not mean any additional water charges for people here but rather investment into our water infrastructure as a priority, which will unlock significant investment, job creation and economic growth, as well as enabling vital new homes and protecting our environment, for generations to come.”

View our full plan here.