TOKYO - Local governments across Japan have been conducting emergency inspections of sewage systems following the emergence of a sinkhole in Yashio, Saitama prefecture.
The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ministry requested the inspections as the sinkhole, which trapped a truck and its driver, is believed to have been caused by a damaged sewer pipe.
A total of about 19km of sewage pipes managed by the Tokyo metropolitan government are set to be inspected. The pipes are laid in nine cities, including Higashi-Kurume and Kiyose.
In Higashi-Kurume on Feb 4, inspection work was carried out on a pipe that runs under a street and has an internal diameter of more than 3m. Two workers entered the pipe through a manhole and checked for cracks and other damage.
The Yokohama city government has also begun inspecting about 20km of its 12,000km sewage pipe network, covering areas where there is a high risk of hydrogen sulfide forming, causing deterioration. A detailed investigation will be conducted if any abnormalities are detected.
On Feb 4, workers opened a manhole cover on a road in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, and descended into a sewage pipe that carries rainwater. A small camera was used to check for corrosion, damage and sediment buildup.
A city official said: “Sewer pipes continue to deteriorate. We want to maintain a safe and secure sewer system while incorporating new technology.” THE JAPAN NEWS/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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