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46
SECTION V.
SANITARY ADMINISTRATION.
Staff.—The staff of the Sanitary Section at the end of 1938 consisted of one
Chief Inspector, 13 male inspectors, 2 women inspectors and 2 part-time women
inspectors, who are also part-time health visitors. During the year one of the
male inspectors was seconded for whole-time service in connection with air raid
precautions.
Water Supply.—The Metropolitan Water Board is responsible for the watersupply
of the Borough, and no complaints were received as to the quality of the
water supply during the year. So far as can be ascertained there are eighteen
wells in the Borough, used in the main for trade or kindred purposes.
Drainage.—The drainage of every house in the Borough, except in 15 instances,
is connected with sewers. These exceptions are to be found at Shooters Hill,
Bostall Heath, Harrow Manorway and Bexley Road, and in all cesspools are used.
The total number of cesspools is fourteen, seven of which are in Plumstead and
seven in Eltham.
The inspection of new drainage and of extensive reconstruction of old systems
is carried out by the Borough Engineer, but in all other instances alterations are
supervised by the Sanitary Inspectors. During the year 25 complaints were
received regarding the defective action of combined drains; on investigation, 130
houses in all were found to be affected. In all systems, except 3, the obstruction
was of a temporary character. In 8 instances choked interceptors were found.
Costs recovered from the owners amounted to £1 9s. 2d.
In the following three instances reconstruction was necessary:—2-18 (even),
Owenite Street; 133-139 (odd), Abbey Wood Road; 1-12 (all), Troy Street. After
service of the necessary notices and on receipt of the consents of the owners, the
work was carried out by the Works Department of the Council, the costs being paid
by the owners in their proper proportions. Seventeen orders for the cutting off
and sealing up of drains, involving 101 houses, were made during the year as a
result of slum clearance operations.
Removal and Disposal of Refuse.—House refuse is collected and disposed
of by direct labour under the control of the Works Department of the Council.
Collection is made once weekly, with the exception of a small central area, where
a twice-weekly collection is made. All refuse is disposed of by burning at the
Council's destructor at White Hart Road, Plumstead.