A high proportion of routine maintenance work is carried out by the Board’s direct labour but most major capital works are let to contract. The Board also undertakes works for other authorities and private bodies. Major pumping schemes, covering the whole of the area, have been carried out since 1945. The Board is currently engaged in the updating of existing pumping systems to provide a more efficient standard of drainage to meet the demands of intensive arable farming and fast expanding urban areas, thus a substantial capital works programme is underway. Development along the coast has also created surface water drainage problems with which the Board is closely involved.