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5
SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL—The drainage and
sewerage of the district is effected by gravitation, the sewage outfall
being at the lowest corner, and adjacent to the Boding, into which the
effluent flows. The roads have separate storm water sewers, which
terminate at various points of discharge into the Eoding.
In spite of the unprecedentedly wet winter and the high floods which
frequently prevailed in the Roding valley, I am glad to report that not
one single case has been notified of damage or inconvenience caused by
overcharged sewers.
The completion of the new Works at the Sewage Farm has been
somewhat delayed by various unforeseen improvements and extensions,
such as the construction of entirely new detritus tanks with electrically
driven screening appliances. Payments of upwards of £11,000 have
been made to the Contractors, and the greater part of the new plant is
now in successful operation.
In my next Beport I hope to give a full description of the completed
scheme, which will doubtless provide the most efficient example of this
branch of engineering in the Home Counties.
DEVELOPMENTS.—During the past twelve months 96 houses were
passed for occupation, the buildings being chiefly of a middle class type ;
these were mostly built in the first half of the year. As in other
districts, the work of estate development and the enterprise of the
speculative builder has been severely checked by the war; despite these
adverse circumstances, however, plans for the erection of 105 new houses
were sanctioned by the Council.
ROADS.—During the year a grant of £45,000 was allowed
conditionally by the Boad Board, through County channels, for the
purpose of main road reconstruction. Advantage was immediately taken
of this offer, and at the close of the year the whole of that portion of
Hermon Hill, from the High Street to Eagle Lane was practically
reconstructed with wood block paving set on reinforced concrete, whilst
similar operations were in progress in the High Street and Blake Hall
Boad.
Much importance was naturally attached to this state-aided development,
in consequence of the destruction of the roads by motor traffic.
The scheme of the Boad Board was to spread the grant over a three
years' basis, but owing to unforeseen circumstances it is probable that
further progress will be delayed.