Irmo Residents Left in the Lurch After Utility Damage
IRMO – This week, a fiber optic company’s expansion efforts in our community hit a major roadblock after a water line strike led to significant utility damage. Lumos Fiber, a North Carolina-based firm, has been busy trying to lay down cables in the Murraywood neighborhood as part of its mission to bring high-speed internet to the Midlands area. However, after this unfortunate incident, the company has been ordered to cease operations in Irmo.
What Happened?
It all started on Wednesday when Lumos crews accidentally struck a water line on Willow Bend Court. This mishap caused water to gush down the roadway, leaving several households without service for hours. Imagine waking up one morning to find out you can’t get water for your morning coffee! Well, that was the reality for some neighbors.
In an email sent to Lumos, the Lexington County Public Works Department noted, “It is of the best interest to cease work immediately in Lexington County due to the damages done in Murraywood Subdivision.” They require the company to develop a Corrective Action Plan that must be approved before any work can resume in the area.
The Fallout
Clint Shealy from Columbia Water voiced concerns about the incident, mentioning that they needed to review the damage thoroughly. “If there isn’t a sinkhole already, we’re going to cause one,” he said, signaling that access to the damaged pipe might require more invasive measures. Shealy could not immediately determine how extensive the damage was nor confirm if the water line had been properly marked. If it turns out that the markings were correct, the city might pursue an insurance claim against Lumos for the damages.
This incident adds to Lumos Fiber’s already rocky relationship with local authorities. Just last year, the city of Columbia had called a halt to the company’s operations after it caused multiple gas leaks in Elmwood Park, leading to temporary evacuations and roadway closures. Despite these challenges, Lumos was eventually allowed to resume work in the area.
A Dream of Connectivity
The company’s mission to expand high-speed internet has not gone unnoticed. Back in the fall, Lumos announced it had secured the necessary franchise agreements with the municipalities in the area to commence their ambitious plan. Their goal is to lay a whopping 1,200 miles of fiber-optic cables connecting Richland and Lexington counties, and even providing free WiFi in selected parks!
However, all this effort has been overshadowed by the difficulties they have faced. Residents are now left wondering when Lumos will be able to get back to work and if the promised high-speed internet boost will ever materialize. A spokesperson for Lexington County indicated that no timeline was in place for the corrective action plan, leaving many to speculate how long this setback might last.
A Community in Limbo
For the families affected by this mishap in the Murraywood neighborhood, the frustration is palpable. Not only have they experienced water service disruptions, but their hopes for much-needed high-speed internet access are on hold. Even though the company has faced its share of troubles, there are still those who eagerly anticipate the possibilities that greater internet connectivity can bring.
As of now, we’re left waiting to see how quickly Lumos Fiber can come up with a fix and get back on track. The community is hopeful for a timely resolution that will allow us to enjoy reliable utility services without further interruptions. After all, as we increasingly rely on the internet for work, school, and leisure, having faster and more reliable access is a must for everyone!
