The rebuilding of a Sewer
(a story about a foreman)
May
Manilus was not looking forward to this project. Preparing and redesigning sewers was not the dream he had when he apprentized as an engineer some fifteen years before.
He wouldn't have to do all the dirty work as a foreman, but he would have to inspect most of the tunnels and then check them again after repairs. This Senator Valerius better
back up his deal and deliver on his promise of true architectural house design. Manilus looked down at the map of the all the Cloacii in the city. If he could determine the worst of the problems
quickly, the tedious job would be a lot easier.
Two weeks later.
"Aedile Valerius, it is a pleasant surprise to see you!" Manilus was surprised and also slightly upset by this sudden appearance.
"How goes the sewer work Manilus? Have you located the problems? There are merchants and warehouse owners worried about the sewerage and possible back. The grannaries are also close to the river,
we do not need any grain to go bad if it is already being rationed" Quintus had a smile on his face, but he was worried. The grain supply, rationing, the games... what a year
to be an Aedile, it handled correctly it could provide a very giant boost to his reputation. If he failed... he did not want to think about it.
"Ah yes Senator," Manilus tried to look cheerful, " We have found the largest problem. It appears the Quirinalis cloaca was being overloaded, the city is growing in population after all.
We will add an extension to the Cloaca Maxima to help divert the flow. We are also reinforcing the Tiber where the sewers enter the river with cement. Dredging will commence after the ships for trade are done for the year"
Quintus nodded. "Very well. I am glad this is being cleared up by capable men. You mentioned the Quirinalis, there is rumor that more public paths might be built there, is there
a way to prepare the sewers for that?"
Manilus tried hard to hide his frustration, more work he thought, " I will make the appropriate adjustments Senator," was all he was able to squeeze out. "Now if you excuse me,
there is much work still to be done, I will send you regular updates when necessary."
"Of course, of course my good engineer." Quintus nodded his head then turned away back towards his domus.
Another month passes
Manilus was thoroughly sick of the smell of the river and of the sewer. You would think you might get used to the noxiousness of it, but no, it only ever seemed to get worse.
Already two dozen men had been replaced because of illnesses. The main passage from the Quirinalis to the Cloaca Maxima had been completed, but it was not open yet, the exits in the Tiber were being
resupported as he thought of the next segment that would undergo reinforcing. One thing he was happy about was that unique concrete some ancient roman had invented that could harden
underwater. Manilus had mostly worked on roads, bridges and the aqueducts, so he knew about moving water, although that was usually after the construction was complete. This concrete was a huge time saver
in working in the sewers and the river.
July
The heat was only making it worse. A few slaves had actually died, but that was why fishing in this part of the Tiber was illegal. Luckily all his top masons were still healthy, they were smart enough
to wear wraps around their heads. He had started to do that also when he went down and inspected the work. It did make a difference, but again the heat made all the smells stronger.
Another couple of months and the sewers would be finished, then only work in the Tiber would remain and that was much more reasonable. That senator had been down to the docks earlier, checking up on the work again.
I guess this project will make him popular, Maniuls thought, but not really for these workers and slaves. Luckily, he had forwarded 5000 denarii, but now Manilus had to ask for another 1000 to cover all the extra workers that were needed.
I just need to get through these next months and settle down through the winter dead season he thought.
