Japanese government to expand sewer system in FY26 in response to fatal Saitama sinkhole accident

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The scheme will target large sewer pipes that could significantly impact residents’ lives if damaged.

PHOTO: EPA-EFE

TOKYO – A

fatal sinkhole accident in Saitama Prefecture

One truck driver, a man in his 70s,

died after falling into the 20 metre-wide sinkhole

The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry will cover half the cost of municipal sewer improvement projects, encouraging the installation of back-up or connecting pipelines. The ministry will also subsidise the costs of updating large pipes, among other infrastructure, in order to swiftly respond to aging sewer systems.

The sinkhole accident that occurred in Yashio on Jan 28 is believed to have been caused by a ruptured 4.75-meter diameter sewer pipe that had been in use for 42 years. The damaged section led to erosion of its surrounding soil and sand, causing the sinkhole to grow to be 40 metres across and 15 metres deep. About 1.2 million residents in 12 municipalities were urged to refrain from using the sewage system for about two weeks in order to prevent sewage from flowing into the collapsed area.

Aging sewer pipes is a national issue for Japan. In response to the accident, the ministry began discussing countermeasures for the aging of large pipes which could have a significant effect if damaged. It has decided to prioritise replacing large pipes, which municipal surveys identified as having a high risk of damage,