Demand necessitates upgrade of Chris Hani sewerage systems

DILAPIDATED structures, theft, vandalism and littering at sewerage systems are causing problems in the Chris Hani district municipality.

Dordrecht and Molteno residents have been complaining for a while about the authority’s poor sewerage systems.

Chris Hani district spokeswoman Thobeka Mqamelo said a spillage in Dordrecht was the result of a pump station malfunction.

“This [pump] was swiftly taken out for repairs and has since been fixed,” she said.

She said all pumps were now working.

“The spillage has subsided and our technical team is closely monitoring the line while treating the stench that the spill left in the area with chemicals,” said Mqamelo.

“In Molteno the pump station could not cope due to the demand. After some parts were replaced, pumping has resumed. The only issue remaining relates to a manhole that persistently overflows due to foreign objects that find their way into the system.”

She said the sewerage line joining the manhole needed upgrading and realignment as it was too narrow to cope due to the demand.

“The realignment will ensure sewerage gravitates without reliance on pumping. There is a contractor on site and parts of the scope of work include upgrading of the line.” — thembiles@dispatch.co.za