Ugu on high alert at sewerage plant
The peak season has put strain on the Margate sewage work's clarifiers
UGU District Municipality’s operating teams are on standby 24 hours a day to prevent any risk that might occur at the Margate sewerage works.
This comes after the clarifier gearboxes broke due to the plant treating 12 megalitres a day during peak period, more than its usual seven megalitres capacity per day.
As a result, it has compromised the hydraulic loading thereby putting a strain on the plant’s components, said Ugu spokesman, Sipho Khuzwayo.
A clarifier is used for removing sediment and turbidity floating material in the waste water treatment process.
“A spare gearbox had to be installed and two other pumps are being repaired by external service providers,” he said.
A Herald reporter received a phone call from an anonymous caller who said that only one of the four clarifiers was in fact working and that the plant was in a shocking state.
The reporter investigated and found the maintenance of the plant to be in a poor state.
Mr Khuzwayo said Ugu notes the challenges around grass cutting, now being addressed through the development of a three year tender for cutting in all the plants.
“Currently orders have been generated to cut the plant, and within the month of August the plant will be cut,” he said.
He also said the current sanitation refurbishment contract will address all the non functioning components.
For regular updates on water and sanitation issues, communities are urged to engage with their ward councillors and also visit the water services facebook page Ugu Municipality: Water and Sanitation Services or call 08000 WATER (92837) or 039 688 5830/36.
