Water – life literally depends on it. It’s impossible to overstate how important high-quality water is. This is doubly true to us, as a coastal community.
Unfortunately, water companies have failed customers over the years, and people have had enough. Since I was elected, I’ve been working with the government to improve our water quality. Locally, I’ve also been working to tackle flooding in Thorpe Bay, and improve water-related infrastructure.
Holding water companies to account
I’m pleased that water is a priority shared by the Government, who have passed legislation to protect our waterways. The Water (Special Measures) Act gives regulators the power to hold water companies accountable for underperformance and environmental damage. Under the new legislation, Thames Water has been handed a record fine of £122.7m for breaching rules over sewage spills and shareholder payouts. This sends a clear message to water companies that we will not tolerate poor performance anymore.
The issues we face locally
We’re also dealing with plenty of water-related issues locally. Inadequate infrastructure has left residents around Thorpe Hall Avenue protecting their homes with sandbags during flooding incidents.
A Westcliff combined sewer overflow (CSO) is in a state of disrepair close to shore, posing a risk to residents in the event of discharge.
It’s time we turned our frustrations into solutions. Every resident deserves high-quality water, and a home secure from the risk of flooding.
What I’ve been doing
Since my election, I have been co-chairing quarterly Water Quality Summits, which bring together Anglian Water, the Council and residents. These summits allow us to hold Anglian Water to account on issues such as local flooding, and the poor condition of the Westcliff CSO. Separate from the summits, I’ve also been in regular contact with the Anglian Water Chief Executive about timescales for repairing the Westcliff CSO.
On flooding in Thorpe Bay, I have raised the issue with the Government, both by writing to Emma Hardy MP, the Flooding Minister, as well as speaking out in the Chamber.
More broadly, I’m also holding wet wipe companies to account. At present, to be marketed as ‘flushable’, wet wipes need only to pass the u-bend of a household toilet. Unfortunately, they can still cause blockages further down the line. I have written to the Secretary of State to highlight this, and I am campaigning for misleading terms to be banned from marketing.
I will carry on listening to residents and doing all I can to fight for better water-quality locally.
Bayo Alaba
MP for Southend East and Rochford
01702 844754
bayo.alaba.mp@parliament.uk