A unique center will be set up in Modi'in Illit by the
Ministry of Infrastructures where visitors will be able to
get a look at the local sewage system completely enclosed in
an 18-meter-high building, one of the world's largest and
most sophisticated sewage systems of its kind. Visitors will
be able to see how the pumping and water-delivery systems
operate in an entirely sterile environment.
Infrastructures Ministry Director-General Mr. Eli Ronen
recently visited the city, accompanied by Mr. Yaakov Tzemach,
director of the Sewage Administration, and Eli Megiddo of the
Director-General's office. Ronen was hosted by Council Head
Rabbi Yaakov Gutterman. The Director-General and the guests
toured the city and were impressed by the construction of the
project and the rate of progress. During the tour they
discussed various matters associated with the projects and
the construction schedule.
The highlight was a visit to the sophisticated local sewage
system. Rabbi Gutterman and City Council professionals said
that the project is scheduled to cross Highway 443 within six
months. They also discussed an eventual connection with the
Ayalon Aqueduct and the setup of a water and sewage
corporation under the local council.
The advanced sewage-treatment facility includes water-
delivery and gravitational lines running a distance of 20 km
from the city to the Ayalon Aqueduct. Two of the three
pumping stations planned will be located inside Modi'in Illit
to delivery the raw sewage to the main plant located in
Nachal Modi'in, which runs beneath the town of
Chashmonaim.
The main plant is unusually large due to the heavy
pressure— nearly 8 atmospheres—on the sewage
lines at the point of entry about 5 meters below the surface
after crossing the wadi. The water-delivery pumps are also
about 4 meters high. All this requires a large cavity and
expanse to allow for maintenance needs. Therefore a closed
structure will be built with all of the equipment inside.
The facility starts ten meters below ground level and extends
eight meters about the surface. It is the equivalent of a
seven-story building. The unique structure, which includes
water-delivery pumps and other equipment, allows close-up
views of the sewage system in operation, promising to make
the site a uniquely interesting site for visitors.
Also participating in the meeting with the Ministry Director-
General were Deputy Councilman Rabbi Gidon Hakohen, Council
Treasurer Avi Aden, Engineer Aryeh Pe'er and Infrastructures
Commissioner Eitan Barda.
