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Walter Nyamukondiwa-Kariba Bureau
Chirundu Local Board is running a pilot scheme to augment its biological sewer treatment system with extra enzymes that increase efficiency in the breakdown of waste water, and this has already reduced treatment costs and eliminated odours.
Working with a local company, Shepparton Investments, Chirundu has seen reduced blockages and reduced nutrient build up, avoiding the growth of weeds such as the water hyacinth.
The enzymes accelerate the multiplication of bacteria which feed on and break down sludge, cleaning wastewater before it is discharged into the environment.
Several local authorities in South Africa are using the same system.
Speaking during a tour of the sewer treatment plant, Chirundu Local Board secretary Mr Wilson Gunhe said there was a marked reduction in blockages at the plant.
“One of the things we noticed since we started using the Sewer GB product in October 2022, we have seen that our engineering personnel attend less to the plant than before,” said Mr Gunhe.
“This is sure saving us money in the long run, while also improving our environment as the weeds are dying out.”
Shepparton Investment representative Mr Elson Kandishaya said the company had a range of biological products for wastewater management.
The products can be used by restaurants to reduce blockages through enzymes that encourage the growth and multiplication of bacteria that breaks down wastes such as fats that clog systems.
“We have been working with Chirundu using Sewer Gobbler, which works to both increase efficiency in sewer management and the environment,” said Mr Kandishaya.
“The results are already there as other local authorities wait on the sidelines before they can also adopt the system.”
Chirundu engineering technician Engineer Takunda Marenge said the workload at the sewer treatment plant had been significantly reduced.
“We used to attend to sewer blockages every day, but things have changed after we started using the Sewer Gobbler which we apply frequently,” he said.
“We have seen the elimination of the crust that forms in the wastewater and the odour is gone. This ensures that we don’t cross the path of the Environmental Manangement Agency.”
Engineers from Kariba and Kadoma toured the Chirundu sewer plant to appreciate the impact of the biological intervention.
Engineer Tavonga Magasa of Kariba said the development was important in ensuring that sewer management improved in local authorities.
Online Reporter