252. Power to drain group or block of premises by combined operation.
(1)Where the Chief Officer of a Municipality is of the opinion that any group or block of premises maybe drained more economically or advantageously in combination than separately, and a municipal drain of sufficient size already exists or is about to be constructed within thirty metres of any part of that group or block of premises, the Chief Officer may, cause that group or block of premises to be drained by a combined operation.(2)The expenses incurred in carrying out any work under sub-section (1), in respect of any group or block of premises, shall be paid by the owners of such premises in such proportions, as the Chief Officer may determine and shall be recoverable from them as an arrear of tax under this Act.(3)Not less than fifteen days before any such work is commenced, the Chief Officer shall give to each such owner: -(a)A written notice of the proposed work; and(b)An estimate of the expenses to be incurred in respect thereof and of the proportion of such expenses payable by him.(4)The owners for the time being of the several premises constituting a group of block, drained under sub-section (1), shall be the joint owners of every drain constructed, erected or fixed, or continued for the special use and benefit only of such premises, and shall in proportions in which it is determined that the owners of such premises are to contribute to the expenses incurred under sub-section (1), be responsible for the expenses of maintaining every such drain in good repair and efficient condition:Provided that every such drain shall from time to time be flushed, cleansed and emptied by the Chief Officer and the cost of such work maybe recovered from the owners concerned.
