A complete downpour this weekend was a little more than expected and a lot more than the city's pumps could take as many streets, mainly in the Uptown, Gert Town and Hollygrove areas, were reported with serious flooding.
Many wondered what was the exact source of the breakdown? Sewerage and Water Board Director, Ghassan Korban offered answers to Newell Norman.
“Turbine four, which is one of the two major turbines, tripped offline obviously causing problems.”
It’s no secret that power is an issue for the pumps and one would conclude that a back up generator would be the next logical solution. Korban says not so fast.
“The technology of the pumps is old and there are no generators in the current market that could produce the necessary power.”
The S&WB Director did speak about the future and what he and his team are doing to make sure this issue becomes one of the past.
“We have been intentional about the new power complex. This project is as imminent as any in solving our issue.”
Korban also advised residents on how to help combat and not compound the problem by sweeping leaves and debris regularly in the area of catch basins.
The New Orleans City Council were just as perturbed as everyone else with last weekend’s flooding event. Council President JP Morrell says they have requested someone from The Sewerage and Water Board appear before the council this week. That hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.