Delving into stinky problems
Finding an overflowing manhole has become a common occurrence in recent months, and residents have questioned these issues a number of times.
There is a stench in the air of Newcastle. It is not the stench of the chemicals often associated with the chemical factories of Newcastle. It is the stench of raw sewage, and residents are sick of it.
Concerns regarding the quality of Newcastle’s sewerage infrastructure have festered in the minds of many residents in the months past.
Finding an overflowing manhole has become a common occurrence in recent months, and residents have questioned these issues a number of times.
Following a detailed report back from the Water Services Customer Relations Manager, Dr Thumsani Thabethe the following was determined:
The total operational budget for water and sanitation was R521 937 361 for financial year 2013/14 and it is R305 507 772 for the financial year 2014/15.
These monies have been allocated to a new vehicle, as the previous vehicles were old and needed replacement.
New rodding equiptment, used to clean the pipes were also bought, and essential pumps at selected areas and pumping stations were replaced.
The Newcastle Municipality is conducting a feasibility study and business plan for the purpose of a short to medium term application, which will fun the capital upgrade of 22 pump stations in the area. These projects will fall under the refurbishment of sewage infrastructure.
Contrary to popular belief there are three teams that work in the area, not just one. These teams work during normal working days, and during public holidays, weekends and after hours, one team is kept on standby.
Daily these teams must check the inlet pipes of the 22 pump stations in Newcastle. Weekly these pipes must be cleaned to ensure there is a free-flow.
Daily the inflows through these pipes are checked for variations and abnormalities, which will signify if there is a blockage or overflow in the system. The sewage teams also do monthly routine sewer cleaning operations in selected areas using a “sewer jetter” to prevent blockages.
A database of the areas that are priority cases, in regards to cleaning, has been created through the information received via the municipal call-centres. This information also helps in determining those areas with a high frequency of blockages, and signals the possible deterioration of the infrastructure in the area.
According to Dr Thabethe’s report, the only problems faced by the municipality at this time revolves around two areas, namely: trees damaging infrastructure, and the communities involvment in reporting blocakges.
“Root cutting and removal of trees that have overgrown on our sewer lines is yet to be formulated into a proactive routine and is currently as and when required depending on the blockage,” he explained, “. The community has a role to play in alerting the Municipality through the call centre of any blockages, overflows, smell or abuse of the system.”
With regards to cleaning the area after a sewage spill has occurred Dr Thabethe explained the municipality would clean and disinfect the area, while physical obstructions would be washed away with water.
While this method is not always environmentally safe, it is the way forward taken by the municipality, and Dr Thabethe reminded residents that the municipality is constantly working on improving its maintenance and operation plans, via restructuring and the filling of critical posts.
Furthermore, the municipality covers an area of 887km, with only three teams on hand. Often it would be mean that not all complaints can be handled within a day, which may change as the restructuring of the departments continue.
Residents are urged to make use of the municipal call-centre and call in their complaints to assist the department. The contact number for the call centre is 086 014 4144.
