Guernsey Water bosses call for staff to empty sewage pits

Nelso Faria Benedito said it was 'easy' once you got to grips with the routes

Guernsey's Water bosses have said they are seeking truck drivers or plant operators to empty cesspits across the Island.

Guernsey Water said there were 5,500 properties reliant on drivers to empty their pits.

There are currently 36 drivers at waste firm States Works, it said, but more were needed.

Operator Nelson Faria Benedito said the job was "easy" once you got to grips with the routes.

Mr Benedito, who moved to the island from Madeira four years, ago, said the job gave him flexible hours, adding: " At the start it can be hard but once you know your routes and where all the pits are it is very easy."

On an average day, Mr Benedito will collect about 40 loads, he said, which could take up to 12 hours.

Perks of the job included getting to know the people and "sometimes getting biscuits", he added.

Referencing the smell, he added: "It's not that bad, sometimes you get a slight wave when you open the pit or just before you clean the pipes."

Ian Gavet, States Works operations manager said: "We are particularly looking for people who might have personal circumstances that prevent them from working in the morning, so we can have people who drive the truck in the morning, come back and then there's someone to go out in the afternoon."

Guernsey Water said an increase in people working from home had led to pits filling up more quickly.

It added it would help those who may require a driving licence.