By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

MORE THAN 2,000 Bahamas Telecommuncations Company customers are without land-line and internet services after crews working on the New Providence Road Improvement Project damaged a major cable Tuesday afternoon.

An estimated 2,400 customers in Highbury Park, Soldier Road, Church Hill Subdivision, Independence Drive, East-West Highway, Industrial Park, Nassau Village, Redland Acres and Windsor Place are said to be affected by the damaged cable.

In a statement, BTC said around 2.30pm Tuesday, a work crew from Jose Cartellone Construction Company were trenching when they damaged a major BTC cable on Wulff Road just west of Kemp Road, in the area of Hardings Foodstore.

“BTC Technicians began working immediately, excavating the area where the damaged cable is located. However high levels of ground water which entered the cable, prevented repairs from commencing last night. Technicians resumed repairs this morning,” the statement said.

“A pump had to be used to extract the excess water in order to start the repairs. Simultaneously, a new portion of the cable is being installed. Services will be progressively restored over the next few days.

“BTC expects 100 per cent restoration by Saturday evening. The 2,400 customers include land-line and internet service, both residential and business. Phone lines are down in these areas.”

Management at BTC said technicians are working around the clock to restore service as quickly as possible.

This is reportedly the 50th time Jose Cartellone has damaged BTC cables, and the 18th time since March.