Government says sewage smell due to ongoing maintenance

The Government has blamed the persistent smell of sewage in the Jumpers area on ongoing maintenance work and issues with the drainage system.

In answer to GBC questions, Number Six says there have been several rounds of cleaning works in the area, which in itself, will produce unpleasant smells.

It explains that during this kind of work, manhole covers are opened and closed repeatedly, and each time this occurs the airtight seals are broken.

Officers have inspected the area and confirmed that all public manholes have now been sealed correctly. Additionally, they have checked that gullies are filled with water, as these tend to dry out during the summer months, breaking the water seal to the Main Trunk Sewer.

The Government says a number of gully pots were also found to require replacement.

A round of works to replace these and install non-return valves where necessary is expected to begin shortly.