Sewer Problems Remain in Richwood

Whether the problem is broken manholes or pumping stations that dont work properly, Richwood residents say it doesnt matter. They just want to know where has all the money gone? But the town says patience is key. Richwood resident Wysinger Cleveland says when he walks down his street and sees open manholes like this, its unacceptable. “The manholes open for the children and even for myself when I’m walking I might forget ones there and just slip in it." Another resident, Leola keys, says she often sees raw sewage running out of them. “We have seniors out here in their 90s and we are not going to tolerate raw sewage running in the ditches." There are more than 100 manhole in the town, many of which are either cracked or missing covers, but Keys says the manholes arent the problem its the pumping stations." The Mayors assistant, Yvette Griffin, says the problem is whats coming through the lines of the pumping stations from the Ouachita Correctional Center. "There are a lot of large items like sheets pillowcases, plastic utensils and things like that come through the line." The city received a $100,000 federal grant in December to repair manholes and lift stations. These residents want to know why that money isnt being used. Keys says, "That money can be used and we the people of Richwood feel that money is being used but its not being used properly for what it should be used." But the mayors office says they have go through several legal steps before they gain access to the money. "We havent gotten authorization to proceed.” Griffin says, “Once we get the authorization to proceed, then the $100,000 will be utilized all for sewer." She says the town does not want to waste the money and has one request of the citizens. “If they could just be patient, when we are authorized to spend that money we will spend that money in the most efficient way possible." Griffin says the city has to bring in engineers to see how much all of the repairs will cost before they can begin working. (Copyright 2008, NBC 10/Fox 14 News, Written by Casey Ferrand)