Commonwealth Utilities Corp. assistant executive director Abe Utu Malae said the sewer system is still stable but “teetering on edge and could collapse with one slight push.”
Malae, who was yesterday’s guest speaker at the Rotary Club meeting at the Hyatt Regency, said it is hard for the people to appreciate the sewer system — until it collapses.
“We experienced problems and failures with our power generation last year. The sewer system could be next if we don’t act now,” Malae said.
He said the sewer treatment plants have been found to be noncompliant with standards.
“There are leaks in the system and the pipelines are failing because of age and acid attack. We need better piping materials,” Malae said.
Rehabilitation and sewage treatment are needed by the wastewater division, he added.
“We need to start afresh by discarding methods that failed us in the past. We need to put the system in place, use methods and techniques that work and put the right individuals in management,” Malae said.
He said CUC must provide customers with reliable services, high quality water and fair rates.
