Northern Ireland's Finance Minister yesterday inspected the progress made on Belfast's multi-million pound sewers project first hand.

Sammy Wilson dropped 40-metres below ground to tour the network, which is undergoing massive upgrade works.

The Minister was lowered in a safety cage, to gain access to the site’s stormwater tunnel and later praised the work of the sewer project team.

"There will be real benefits to the city’s residents with this project. It will provide visitors and businesses with a healthier environment, reduce the risk of flooding and enhance the water quality in the River Lagan," he said.

"The habitat for wildlife and the conditions for recreation will be improved and traffic disruptions that result from emergency road repairs will be reduced."

Minister Wilson said the Executive was committedto delivering key projects such as this under its Investment Strategy.

He said planned capital investment for 2009-10 is expected to be at a similar level to 2008-09.

"The Executive has committed record levels of capital investment in recent years. For example, in 2008-2009, we increased gross capital spend from £1.4bn in the previous year to £1.7bn, which equates to almost £1m of additional net spend every day."

He said this "unprecedented level of expenditure" has helped the local construction industry through what have been very difficult times.

"It is particularly encouraging to see local firms and their supply chains involved in this important project and benefiting from this investment."

The overall contract will be completed in 2010 when it is anticipated that the new system will reduce the pollutant loading on the Lagan by some 85%.

(PR/BMcC)