Premier urges residents to connect homes to sewage system

Residents in the Seventh and Eighth Districts are being urged to connect their homes to the new public sewage system as the government prepares to commission key components of the long-awaited infrastructure.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley told a community meeting that the pumping station at Long Swamp would be commissioned this week, while the treatment plant at Paraquita Bay is expected to come on stream next month.

“Not only will the pumping station be commissioned on Tuesday, but the treatment plant will be commissioned next month, towards the end of the month,” Dr Wheatley said.

He said once the system is fully operational, the next critical step is ensuring that households are connected so that the network can function properly.

Sewage water contributing to road deterioration 

Dr Wheatley warned that sewage flowing onto public roads has contributed to deterioration in the district. “We can’t run our sewage on the road. Sewage running on the road, it destroys the road, makes the road look unsightly,” he stated. He added that in many instances, road damage attributed to rainfall is actually caused by wastewater from homes.

“If we want a more beautiful Seventh and Eighth District, we all have to do our part and hook up on the sewage system,” Premier Wheatley said.

The Premier said his government has invested significant sums to bring the project to its current stage and urged residents to participate.

“We’ve spent a lot of money to get to this point in terms of this service. So it would be a shame that we have everything ready, and the only thing missing is the people who can help,” he stated.

How to connect

Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said residents not yet connected can apply through the District 7 and District 8 offices. Assessments will then be carried out to facilitate tie-ins to the system.

“We want residents to be able to flush with confidence in this community and take out the sewage from running along the roadside,” Rymer said.

Chief of Infrastructure Duane Fraites said the Long Swamp pump station will collect sewage from the East End community, while the Paraquita Bay plant will treat wastewater to a tertiary level before discharge. He stressed that household sign-ups are essential to maximise the system’s effectiveness.

The sewage project forms part of broader infrastructure upgrades in the east, including road rehabilitation works in Hodges Creek and surrounding areas.

Premier Wheatley said small contracts would also be issued to assist with household connections, creating additional employment as the network expands. “Let’s hook up,” the Premier urged, adding that improved sanitation will enhance public health and the overall appearance of the district.