New Technology Eases Disruption To Roads When Installing Utilities

UTC Owner Andy Anderson shows off his high-tech
machinery

Tuesday, June 1, 2004

The continuing rapid development in the Cayman Islands means that contractors, businesses, utility companies and many others need to lay cable, conduits, sewers and water lines below ground, between buildings and even under roads.

A new company, Utility Technologies of Cayman (UTC) has brought new technology to Cayman that can end the constant disruption to roads, sidewalks and other land.

The patented directional boring system used by UTC is the first of its kind in the Cayman Islands and has been used in major construction projects, including the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman and the new Kirk Freeport shopping centre on the waterfront in George Town.

Laying cables underground is preferable to above ground because there is less risk of damage in a hurricane or tropical storm. It also has the advantage of not creating an eyesore above ground. However, other methods of laying utilities underground cause damage. UTC’s new technology allows cables to be laid without any damage above ground and with no disruption to business and traffic in the area.

A computer-generated path allows the drill head to avoid all obstacles and the machinery can reach depths up to 25 feet. In the long-term, the cables are better protected as the drilling solution dries into a protective layer around the cable.

UTC technology enabled cable and conduits to be laid under West Bay Road from one side of the Ritz Carlton project site to other, with no damage to the road and no hold ups for motorists.

Speaking about the technology, UTC owner Andy Anderson said, “We are excited to bring this technology to the Cayman Islands, since it will prevent the damage and disruption often associated with major building projects.”

The company’s work for Kirk Freeport involved laying a cable under two roads and under a large mango tree. Director of Kirk Freeport, Debbie Guyton, was pleased with the work. “The cable was laid with no disruption to the tourists and residents working or shopping in central George Town,” she said. “The boring took less than a day, therefore lowering costs, with no permanent damage.”

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