THE Drakenstein Municipality recently installed a new security wall of R800 000 at one of the main sewerage pump stations, the Newton pump station, which was experiencing vandalism and theft on a regular basis.
The extent of the damages and losses increased to such an extent that the municipality was forced to erect a 3,5m high security wall to secure the property as far as possible. A telemetry system has also been installed informing personnel of any failures to the pump stations at any given time via SMS.
The pump station serves approximately 8 500 households and is situated on the western side of the Paarl/Wellington main railway line, opposite New Rest township.
It happens quite often that the pump station cannot operate due to a sewerage overflow into the nearby Berg River, which causes a severe pollution hazard.
This happened due to equipment that was stolen from the sewerage plant.
“This project highlights Drakenstein Municipality’s commitment to protect its water courses and to minimise pollution to the environment at all cost,” said spokesperson May Carolissen.
