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3. Drainage and Sewerage
(a) Eastern Sewage Disposal Works. Observations show that the total
flow of sewage reaching these works is now nearing the full capacity for
which the equipment was designed. In a number of the bacteria beds, the
filtering medium is in an exhausted condition and is to be renewed in the
near future, subject to such work being authorised by the Ministry of
Housing and Local Government.
(b) Southern Sewage Disposal Works. A scheme for modifying and
extending these works is in course of preparation but owing to general
conditions it is not possible to state when the work will be carried out.
Despite the fact that these works are heavily loaded a good standard of
effluent is obtained by means of careful maintenance and supervision.
(c) Western Sewage Disposal Works. The intended diversion of the
Western area sewage into the Chingford disposal system and the consequent
abandonment of these obsolete works has not yet been made possible
Negotiations are still proceeding between interested authorities. Meanwhile
careful supervision is ensuring the discharge of a satisfactory effluent.
SANITARY INSPECTION OF THE AREA
The Senior Sanitary Inspector reports as follows:—
Requisitioned Premises
Referring to the report of the Medical Officer of Health for 1950, it
can now be recorded that the duty of maintaining such property in good
repair was transferred from the Public Health Department to the Department
of the Borough Engineer and Surveyor. In consequence of this the
staff of Sanitary Inspectors was reduced by one Inspector.
Housing Act, 1936
As recorded in the report for 1950, it can again be noted that, generally
speaking, works of repair are carried out by owners.
The 'tie-up' between the Public Health and Housing Committees and
their officers still works well. This has made possible the demolition of
further insanitary dwellings. Restricted building and the long list of
housing applicants make demolition of insanitary dwellings a very slow
process; nevertheless figures in another part of the report indicate progress
In November, 1951, a representation to the Council was made by the
Medical Officer of Health in connection with five cottages at Wanstead
known as Slaters Cottages. This being the commencement of the necessary
procedure in connection with a Clearance Area under the Housing Act
one must of necessity wait until 1952 to see the outcome of the official
representation.
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