Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson says the “doors remain open” for further discussion with Waipa District and Hamilton City Councils about the future of water services. But after years of talking he wants all three Councils to “get on with it” and reach a firm conclusion about the best way to manage water, wastewater and stormwater.
Sanson was responding to strong signals from Hamilton City Council today that the city may consider forming a shared waters management company with the other two councils. The proposal, which would see each Council retain ownership of its own water and wastewater assets, has yet to be formally agreed by HCC or discussed with the other two councils.
Sanson said he would welcome a tangible proposal from the city but that Waikato District Council’s position was clear.
Waikato Mayor Allan Sanson says, ‘Get on with it’
“My Council still considers an asset-owning CCO the best option for our ratepayers and for the wider region. That’s consistent with what multiple experts have told us over multiple years and that’s what’s going to give our people and the wider region the most benefit,” he said.
“But each Council must do what it believes is in the best interests of its own ratepayers so let’s get on and bring this issue to a conclusion. It’s gone on long enough and I look forward to talking to the other councils once HCC has confirmed its position.”
Waikato District Council had a long-term relationship with Watercare Services and would continue discussing how the council could work more closely with Watercare if there were benefits for the district, he said.
“We’re very strongly committed to improving the way we provide water and wastewater services. So it’s business as usual until we know what’s on the table and can make final decisions.”
For information about the three-council water and waste project go to www.waterstudywaikato.org.nz
