A collapsed and blocked cast iron sewer line serving the Vicksburg Senior Center caused sewage to backup into the center, forcing city officials to install a new line adjacent to the damaged line.

“They’re having to go in there and tear up the floor and sidewalks and put in a new line adjacent to it to tap into the line,” South Ward Alderman Alex Monsour said. “We’re having to put out a temporary facility outside for the seniors. It’s an inconvenience at this time, and it’s all stemming back to the infrastructure problems we’re having in the city. But we’re addressing them as we go.”

City officials did not know how old the sewer line is. Nancy Bell, Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation executive director, said a check of building records indicates the building at the corner of Walnut and South streets that includes the senior center was built in 1940.

She said a house had earlier occupied the site.

A Vicksburg City Directory from 1941 indicated a pharmacy occupied the spot where the senior center is now.

Senior center director Jennifer Harper said the problem began Tuesday afternoon, “And it’s been nonstop ever since then. It (sewage) started backing up into the restrooms and classroom as well as the bathrooms off the computer lab. It all started backing up about the same time.”

She said she called maintenance, adding the workers cut the water off and started trying to find the problem.

Monsour said the problem was discovered after city sewer workers ran a camera through the line.

He said workers said they expect to have the new line installed and connected to the collection line Monday.

In the meantime, he said, seniors will be using a mobile restroom facility that is heated and air- conditioned.

“We’re trying not to inconvenience the seniors any longer than we have to so we’re on it pretty fast,” he said.