In addition to the recent repair work, the Newcastle Municipality has declared its commitment to addressing sewage issues affecting local businesses.
The Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit elaborated on the matter, stating that in response to recurring complaints by businesses regarding sewage spillages on Allen Street, a team of engineers was recently dispatched to take remedial action.
This action aimed to rectify the sewage network issues disrupting the operations of KFC, Amajuba Shopping Centre, and nearby businesses.
If you can recall, back in July 2023, Newcastillian News reported on the dire sewage spillage situation at the Amajuba Mall. The constant spills had reached a point whereby some businesses were contemplating relocation due to the unsanitary conditions, with shoppers and staff frequently exposed to noxious fumes.
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During its work at the site to address sewage spillages and the associated problems faced by the shopping complex, KFC, and neighbouring businesses, the Newcastle Municipality’s team discovered the root causes of these issues.
According to the municipal technical teams, these problems can be attributed to a combination of factors, including aging infrastructure, undersized pipes for the current volume of effluent, and foreign objects clogging the sewer lines.
Looking to the future, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit explained, “As remedial efforts to curb the sporadic sewer spillage incidents, the municipality enforced an intervention plan that included the replacement of the main sewer line on Allen Street and is currently in the process of sourcing funds to upgrade sewer pipes across the town.”
To further address the challenges faced by local businesses, the municipality is also reinvigorating its efforts to ensure preparedness for the rainy season and prevent flooding. As many will remember, in February 2023, Newcastle experienced severe floods that affected parts of Paradise and the Central Business District (CBD).
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To tackle this issue, the Communications Unit stated that the Newcastle Municipality’s Technical Service Teams were currently deployed throughout Newcastle.
The team, according to the municipality, is conducting stormwater management operations to clear blockages that could lead to flooding during the rainy season.
“The team has started its operations in Ayliff streets and will be moving throughout the CBD to Madadeni and Osizweni,” noted the Municipal Communications Unit.
As the Newcastle Municipality takes action, we invite you to share your thoughts on these developments in the comments section below.
Comments 1
I am glad a plan is being executed to avoid sewerage spillage and flooding. I am puzzled that resources are being sought to replace aged infrastructure, and pipes that are too small- I thought our rates, taxes, sewerage removal and water availability fees that we pay monthly, would be the resources used toward the relevant repairs and maintenance?