The Manager of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in Kisoro, Engineer Charles Ateker Odeke, has condemned the practice of disposing unwanted waste into the sewage networks, which is disrupting the flow of sewage to designated treatment areas and causing sewage spillages around the town.
This warning follows a recent sewer line breakdown earlier this week at the former Drive-In Hotel along Mutolere Road in Kisoro Municipality.
Engineer Odeke revealed that during the intervention to resolve the blockage, the NWSC team discovered that some residents had disposed of stones, clothing, towels, pads, and other debris into the sewage system. He emphasized that this improper waste disposal has been a major cause of blockages, especially during the rainy season, when mixed waste, including baby diapers, sanitary pads, and metals, converge and cause obstructions.
Odeke explained, “Sewer line blockages are a persistent problem in Kisoro due to the disposal of grease and debris down the drains. When grease, oils, and fats cool down, they stick to the inner lining of sewage pipes, forming clogs that prevent water from flowing smoothly. This problem is exacerbated by food particles and other debris.”
He further warned the public against misusing their flushing toilets by disposing of stones, clothing, and diapers, instead of toilet paper, which disrupts the sewage flow. “It’s alarming to discover that some people still use stones or hard papers as toilet paper.
This affects the flow of our sewer lines. Sewerage flows at speeds of 0.6 to 0.7 meters per second, depending on the type of sewer and the flowing conditions. However, when metals and diapers are introduced, they increase pressure and temperature, making the sewer pipes brittle, weak, and more prone to breaking under pressure,” Odeke explained.
Additionally, Odeke cautioned against the practice of connecting household water to manholes for improper disposal, which interferes with the intended purpose of the sewer system.
