Arabic version: استقالة رئيس مجلس إدارة مياه جنوب شرق بعد تقرير أزمة الإمدادات

The chair of South East Water (SEW) has resigned following a damning report into major supply issues that left tens of thousands of homes without drinking water. According to BBC News, Chris Train stepped down on Friday after the report described the firm’s leadership as an “unaccountable clique.”

SEW indicated that a change in leadership was necessary to guide the company through a “critical period of positive, transformative change.” This resignation follows a cross-party group of MPs expressing no confidence in SEW’s executives, including chief executive David Hinton, who has faced calls to resign due to ongoing supply failures.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee noted that approximately 24,000 customers in Kent and East Sussex experienced supply disruptions in November and December, with up to 30,000 households affected by prolonged water outages weeks later. The report criticized SEW for poor leadership and governance, stating that the company seemed shielded from accountability for its failures.

In response to the report, SEW announced plans to double its investment in the water supply network over the next five years. Interim chair Lisa Clement emphasized the company’s commitment to engineering and operational improvements to enhance service resilience. However, concerns remain about the company’s ability to prevent future crises, with local MP Mike Martin warning that South East Water poses a “clear and present danger to public health.”

The report calls for action from SEW’s shareholders, urging them to address the leadership issues that have led to significant public trust erosion. The regulator Ofwat is also considering a fine of up to £22.46 million related to the supply failures, reflecting the serious nature of the situation.