But costs will be met by residents via a hike in water bills
Whilst the £2bn sewer construction project given the green light by the Government this week has been largely welcomed, the fact that costs will have to be met by residents has not.
The massive tunnel, designed to stop sewage overflowing into the Thames, will run under the river from Hammersmith to Abbey Mills in East London. The original 19th century sewer can no longer cope with the demands of modern London meaning a huge amount of untreated sewage and rainwater is currently spilling into the Thames.
Thames Water will be managing the project that is expected to take three years and cost £2bn which will be met through a rise in water bills.
David Bland, chairman of Consumer Council for Water Thames, said, "The costs will be met wholly through increases in consumers' bills, and will be far more than most are willing or expecting to pay. For some Thames Water customers, the resulting price rises will be simply unaffordable".
London's Mayor Ken Livingstone welcomed the government's decision and said it is simply not acceptable for a city like London to have its sewage flowing freely into the Thames, causing health hazards and damage to recreational and leisure facilities on the Thames.
Environment Minister Ian Pearson said, "This tunnel is the right solution for London and for the environment. It will give us a 21st Century River Thames that we can all be proud of. This will inevitably mean some extra costs for customers, but it will deliver tangible benefits for London in the long term."
March 25, 2007