There seems to be no end in sight to the sewage woes along the south coast.
Between last night and today, the state-run Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has been faced with new effluent leaks, as well as mechanical failure of one of the two screw lifts in operation at the South Coast Sewage Treatment Plant.
“Private consultants and an engineering team from the Barbados Water Authority are currently diagnosing the problem in an effort to carry out the necessary repairs as soon as possible,” the authority said in a statement today, adding that in the interim crews from its Wastewater Division (WWD) will be closely monitoring the situation.
WWD manager Patricia Inniss also reported during a press conference that there was another sewage overflow in Rendezvous, as well as a breakdown at the recently constructed lift station on Bay Street.
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Patricia Inniss[/caption]
Inniss said efforts were underway to fix the problem at the station, which was built to regulate the flow of sewage between the south coast and Bridgetown.
However, she raised alarm about the quantity of rags, oils, fats and grease being dumped into the sewer daily.
Warning that these were destroying the network, the BWA spokeswoman suggested a need for more public education to sensitize businesses and property owners about the harmful effects of such practices.
Inniss also said there was need for legislation to prosecute persons guilty of illegally disposing debris into the system.
“The amount of debris has not reduced. We are now cleaning the River Pumping Station [in The City] three times per day,” she said, adding that the five pumps in operation, which are valued at a million dollars, have to be cleaned once a day.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has advised the public to stay out of the sea at Worthing, Christ Church from 6 p.m. until noon as the sluice gate at the Graeme Hall Swamp is to be opened daily by the Drainage Division to ease the current build up of sewage.
“Red flags, which indicate no swimming, are in place along the beach, and bathers are asked to adhere to the flags and any other signs erected by the National Conservation Commission,” the ministry said.
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