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Work has begun on a new supersewer for London - right under MPs' noses.
It comes more than 150 years after "the Great Stink" closed the House of Commons - and amid a distinctly whiffy expenses scandal.
Near the terraces of the Houses of Parliament, Thames Water has begun the first stage of a £2.2billion project. A 20-metre high rig is boring 100 metres under the Thames to give engineers an idea of what they will encounter when the main tunnelling work begins in 2013.
When it is finished in 2020, the 20-mile long and seven-metre diameter Thames Tunnel will be used as a vast overflow pipe on the 50 to 60 days a year when heavy rainfall overwhelms London's Victorian sewerage system. At present untreated sewage flows straight into the Thames from 34 outflows. In an average year, 32 million tonnes are discharged - enough to fill 15 O2 arenas - damaging wildlife and being a health hazard for river users.
London's sewer system was regarded as the most advanced in the world when it was built after the stench in 1858 forced MPs to act.
Reader views (9)
Ah poor old Guido,right idea but for the wrong reasons. At least now we can have a televised flushing of the rats down their own sewers!
- Andrew White, Brighton,Sussex
I hope they leave all the man holes uncovered.
- Man In The Street, London, UK
I thought those politicians sinks and sunk to sewer levels.
- Joe, Swanley Kent
Ideal accommodation for the sewer rats who have been thieving from tax payers for the last ten years and we won't have to continue paying for their second homes, patio heaters, barbeques, pornographic films etc.
- R.F., Yorks, UK
Well, when it comes to getting rid of duff politicians I suppose it´s better than what Guy Fawkes had in mind.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
Brilliant, gives the rats living in the Chamber quick access to their accommodation!
- Adam, Harrow, UK
That should make the exit of Broon and his lot very easy indeed!
Will an locks be installed to prevent them coming back in again?
- Black Prince, London SW3
With all the rats above it!
- Steve, London
A supersewer, how appropriate!
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
