WILDERNESS NEWS - The residents of Wilderness have good reason to celebrate as the fourth and final phase of the new sewerage system has been completed after 10 long years.

Municipal project manager, Vincent Gouws, says everything is ready and that letters informing residents that their homes can be connected to the municipal system have been sent out. "Homeowners can use any plumbing contractor of their choice for a quote and a plan. This plan must be handed in at the municipality. A connection fee is payable and then the connection can go ahead."
The next municipal increase is due in July, so it would be wise to act fast.

The first phase of the sewerage project was started by the Wilderness Munici-pality, but in November 2000 the George Municipality took over when Wilderness was incorporated into George.
According to George senior manager of Civil and Technical Services, Harold Basson, the main motivation for the project was to obviate the contamination of the Touw River lagoon.
"The pollution was mainly caused by lea-king septic and storage tanks at homes alongside the coastal lake. Wilderness had no sewerage system and because the installation had to take place in existing living areas, it turned out to be even more expensive than usual."

During the last year, 2 300 metres of sewerage pipeline were installed, three pump stations were built, 530 metres of storm water pipes were laid and a new tar road of 1km was constructed. The total cost of this final stage was R11,5-million.

Sadly, a very old Milk Wood tree died last year due to damage to its roots during operations, but Basson says they tried to make up for it by planting 40 young Milk Woods and 20 Silver Oaks. "To avoid damage to the dunes, we also drilled through dunes to lay some 370 metres of pipes."
About 17 part time workers were employed between May last year and March 2010, whereas nine learners received practical training to the value of R30 000.

Many residences and businesses next to Sands Road were adversely affected by the construction works.
"On behalf of the municipality I wish to thank all residents inconvenienced during the project for their patience," says Basson.


Job done! The main phase four role players are from the left Piet Erasmus, Sarel du Preez, Doug Botha, Drickus Jacobs, Lindsay Mooiman, Harold Basson, Hein Muller, Johan Moller, André Kriege, Vincent Gouws, Brain Hartman, George Row and Johan le Roux.

Article: Ilse Schoonraad