Are Newcastle’s sewage pipes a ticking time bomb?
The expert states: “We will be swimming in sewage soon.”
A water reticulation expert believes time is running out for Newcastle’s sewage infrastructure.
Could the recent spate of blockages, burst pipes and overflowing waste water in numerous areas of town be the death knell for the beleaguered network?
“We are heading for a total collapse of the water and sewage system. The situation needs drastic intervention and I can’t foresee that happening in the near future,” he says.
One resident has seen the dire situation first-hand. He reported a blocked sewage line within his boundary wall on December 16 and again on December 23, and was given a reference number.
ALSO READ: Sewage floods homes on St Thomas Street
Despite promises that workers would be dispatched however, none arrived.
Since then, the resident has contacted the municipality almost every day, particularly given the blocked sewage is building up a short distance from his lounge.
“It seems three sections of sewage pipe intersect underneath my property,” he stated.
The resident also contacted his ward councillor for assistance but is yet to receive feedback on how far she was in resolving the problem.
Nevertheless he says it is obvious the infrastructure is in a poor state.
“The municipality seems to be handling these problems on a crisis management level, but won’t it cost more to do a piecemeal job than just replacing the pipes?”
The municipality was contacted for response through official channels, yet no feedback was provided at the time of going to print. In the meantime, the situation is being compared to an overfilled bottle.
READ NOW: Newcastle municipality responds to sewage concerns
Should things not improve or at least be taken with due seriousness, the expert states: “We will be swimming in sewage soon.”
Contact us
WhatsApp: 082 874 5550
Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
Make sure you follow us for regular updates:
