Improperly disposed-of waste blocks sewers: Councillor André Beetge
Sewerage lines are getting blocked by improperly disposed of oil that solidifies and clogs the mechanisms of the pump stations.
A TEAM of municipal plumbers was rodding along Kingsway Road in Warner Beach this week where several outfalls were reported was joined by ward 97 councillor, André Beetge.
Beetge said the pump station in Warnadoone is constantly compromised by foreign matter resulting in outfall into the river mouth, contaminating the water and resulting closure of the beach.
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“Foreign matter was detected in every single manhole. Video footage displayed a clear and constant flow of oil that can only be coming from food outlets that are either not fitted with fat traps, or that have fat traps that are not properly maintained or cleared timely,” he said.
Once the oil mixes with the colder water in the line, it solidifies to fat that in turn, traps foreign matter and clogs the working mechanisms of the pump stations. Beegte said as much as 90% of sewage outfall is due to what is being incorrectly discharged into the system and not necessarily because of a mechanical or infrastructure-related failure.
“With the increased demand on the system due to the festive season which finds many more people at home as opposed to being scattered across the city, we will be working closely with departments to clear blockages and ensure pump stations remain operational,” said Beetge.
He implored the public to play its role by being vigilant and reporting blockages, educating others and also reporting those who bluntly refuse to cooperate.
“Those who refuse to cooperate are the main contributing factor to the problem that affects all, including the coastal economy, which is the lifeblood of coastal towns such as ours,” said Beetge.
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