Residents complain about sewage overflow, water stagnation in parts of George Town

Residents and traders have complained about frequent sewage overflows on Moore Street, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in George Town.

M. Sundar, a resident, said public health was affected this Northeast monsoon because of sewage stagnation on the stretch of Moore Street in the vicinity of Beach Station. “Residents and traders of other streets such as Angappa Naicken Street have also complained of sewage overflow,” he said.

Residents said the risk to public health is increasing because of the high footfall on the street that has many commercial establishments, hardware stores and private law firms. After the onset of the Northeast monsoon this year, the normal operations of business establishments have also been interrupted because of the frequent sewage overflow. 

Resident Khaja said the Dawoodi Bohra Mosque is located in the stretch. “A large number of worshippers at the Dawoodi Bohra Mosque have complained about the sewage overflow and pollution. Stormwater mixing with sewage is a major issue. But officials have not been able to find a solution,” he said. 

Residents have been requesting the Chennai Corporation and Metrowater to improve coordination during the rains this Northeast monsoon to prevent flooding and mixing of sewage with the stormwater.

Ward 60 councillor Azad Z said he has sent teams from the Chennai Corporation and Metrowater to study the civic issue and find a solution to the affected residents.

“We tried to create infrastructure including a pumping station in ward 56 to resolve the issue of sewage overflow. Local residents in the ward opposed the project. So it was shelved. The old sewage pipelines have been replaced in the past few years. The work was incomplete because of opposition by residents of some stretches. Around 10 to 20% of the work is yet to be completed. Illegal sewage connections in some of the stretches is another reason for the sewage overflow,” he said.