Residents of Triq il-Kanonku Bonnici in Ħamrun are waiting for the test results on water samples before full pressure is restored to their homes.

The supply in the narrow dusty road has been reduced since last Thursday after employees from the Water Services Corporation started excavation works to install new water mains.

“We were told that the water pressure would be reduced and we understand the works need to be done but now all we are doing is waiting for the Water Services,” a 60-year-old resident said.

Another resident pointed out that those with ground floor residences had access to running water but the pressure was not strong enough to reach the higher levels.

When it’s so hot, you would like to have at least a shower in the morning and before you go to sleep, but now you have to be careful

As a result, a water bowser stopped by several times during the past week to fill up the tanks to allow the residents to get by. “The council was of great help throughout all this – whenever we needed water we would tell them and he would come,” another resident said.

A spokesman for the Water Services Corporation explained that the works were for the installation of a new water mains in the road. This was finally put into place on Tuesday but water samples had to be sent for testing before the supply was re-opened.

“When it comes to public health we have to be very careful,” the spokesman said.

The samples were sent in for testing yesterday and it could take up to three days to get the results, he added.

Meanwhile, another resident highlighted how inconvenient it was for the works to be done in the peak of the summer heat.

“When it’s so hot, you would like to have at least a shower in the morning and before you go to sleep, but now you have to be careful,” he said.