Calf falls to its death in a main supply sewer line

Update Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO'S - Vandalism and illegal dumping are the reasons why a calf recently fell to its death in a main supply sewer line at the back of the Pacaltsdorp Industrial and Groeneweide Park area.

This incident took place after cast iron covers and frames were stolen on a 900mm gravity sewer main line that flows from the CBD to the Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW). There are 25 manholes on this line.

Director of Civil Engineering Jannie Koegelenberg said their construction team is replacing these stolen cast iron covers with polymer covers.

"The calf was noticed on 29 January at the Gwaiing WWTW inlet works. It came through the main sewer line and entered the Gwaiing WWTW and with the amount of water and pressure we were fortunate that there were no blockages experienced."

Koegelenberg said vandalism and theft of drain covers cause blockages and pollution, a great danger to humans and animals.

Unfortunately, it cast iron covers and frames are stolen regularly, which is why the George Municipality is replacing them with polymer covers and lids. Koegelenberg said that as long as there is a market for cast iron, people will keep stealing cast iron covers and frames.

"However, we appeal to the public to help stop vandalism and theft and phone our authorities if they see anyone contravening the law," he said.

The point of entry at Pacaltsdorp Industrial / Groeneweide Park area where the cast iron lid was stolen and the calf fell down into the 900mm gravity line.

Help stop vandalism

Vandalism is a crime and ultimately costs ratepayers money. Please report people tampering, painting, breaking or stealing municipal property to the police and George Municipality Law Enforcement (044 801 6350 or 044 801 6300 after hours) as soon as you see it happening.

It will be a great help if you can take pictures of the culprits in the act without endangering yourself. Please help the municipality to protect our infrastructure.

VIDEO: SUPPLIED

Illegal dumping

Overflowing storm water drains are generally found to be blocked by illegal materials and rubbish dumped directly into the drain.

This causes damage and flooding down the line. One of the main reasons for blocked drains and sewerage spills is that the wrong items are flushed down toilets or thrown into manholes.

Items that should not be flushed down toilets include baby nappies, sanitary pads and tampons, newspaper, cloth and fabric, fatty food or fat. Items that municipal staff regularly have to clear from manholes include branches, tyres, rocks, mattresses and other solid items.

It is suspected that these are dropped in there mainly by children getting up to mischief.

The municipality appeals to communities to not flush unsuitable items down the toilet, and to help prevent people from dropping solid objects down manholes.

Report sewerage complaints to Civil Engineering Services on 044 801 9262/66 during office hours or 044 801 6300 after hours.

VIDEO: SUPPLIED

Items that should not be flushed down toilets include baby nappies, sanitary pads and tampons, newspaper, cloth and fabric, fatty food or fat, as well as any solid objects such as plastic and glass bottles.

Health hazard

Spread the news in your community that the dumping of waste is dangerous and a health hazard. Waste should be collected in refuse bags and placed out for collection on your area's waste removal day.

Builder's rubble and waste not suitable for bags must be dropped at the municipal refuse site on the R102 (airport road).

• If you can provide names, vehicle registration details or addresses of alleged perpetrators and are willing to make a statement in this regard, please report it to Law Enforcement on 044 801 6350 or sprins@george.gov.za. You don't need a photograph of the perpetrator, but it will strengthen the case for a warning or fine to be issued.

• If you notice dumped waste, please report for collection on 044 802 2900.

The dead calf washed out at the Gwaiing Waste Water Works.