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29
" With regard to the total cost of the works, it is impossible to
state even an approximate amount.
" The total length of the area to be drained is from the sewer in
Bishops Road nearly to the Regent's Canal, a total of about 730ft. ;
the area across from Lark Row to Waterloo Road is a total of about
315ft., with numerous branch drains and fittings in various
directions.
" The works in connection with the main drain will be comparatively
costly, apart from the length and dimensions of the area as, in consequence
of the fact that the Guardians' kitchen is situate in the basement,
the main drain will have to be kept at a depth sufficient to effectually
drain this basement, which means that for a large portion of its length
this drain will have to be kept at a depth of from 12ft. to 14ft.,
necessitating deep digging, timbering and the like.
" In addition to the area and buildings thereon it may be mentioned
that the drainage of the Workhouse entails the provision of a drainage
system with all needful sanitary appliances and fittings for a population
varying from 1,200 to 1,400. These figures are mentioned to give
some idea as to the dimensions of the works required but, as stated
above, in view of the uncertainty as to what the conditions throughout
actually are, and which conditions can only be discovered by completely
stripping out the entire system from end to end, it is impossible to fix
anything like an approximate cost.
" For the information of the Members I may add that some years
ago when these same works were proposed to be carried out I met the
then Guardians' Architect and Surveyor and with him very carefully
went into the whole matter. After making careful inquiry it was then
estimated that the approximate cost of the necessary works would be
about £3,000, and as an approximate figure one may say that in all
probability the cost of providing an entirely new drainage system,
removing defective sanitary conveniences and fittings, providing new as
necessary, making good and leaving all in a sanitary condition would
be anything from £2,500 to £3,000.