Media Release: Waikato District Council, 18.03.13
Contractors Spartan Construction have installed nearly three-quarters of the main sewer line along Wainui Road and Upper Wainui Road, and are nearing completion of the booster pump station adjacent to Manu Bay Reserve.
Waikato District Council General Manager Service Delivery Tim Harty says he’s pleased with the work that has been completed to date however a couple of issues have slowed the work temporarily.
“The project was scheduled for March completion however we’ve experienced a couple of setbacks including product delays and the need to finalise discussions with a group of property owners. To date, 70 residential and two commercial properties have signed up to the scheme – two-thirds of those connections are now installed and one system (the new kindergarten) is up and running.”
He says the delay does have a positive spinoff for property owners still considering whether or not to join the scheme. “If they (existing property owners) join the scheme before construction ends, they’re eligible for a subsidised connection price.”
Property owners interested in joining the scheme can call Grant Tregidga at Waikato District Council on 0800 492 452.
This month’s council Infrastructure Committee decided to put off till May further discussion of a bylaw to control septic tank discharges. It’s quite possible they’ll keep putting it off. If almost half the properties aren’t connected and there’s no change in the enforcement situation of the last decade or more, we may well find over $1m has been wasted, Whale Bay is no cleaner and 70 residents are facing large bills.
The scheme was sold to the community on the basis of being a land dispersal scheme augemented by the pipeline system for smaller properties. The control of septic tank discharges on the larger properties was a key part of the plan. It now seems that this farmer led WDC is unlikely to approve the bylaw needed to police the septic tanks as it would affect all farmers as well.
I would hope existing properties have been directly notified regarding the extension to the subsidised connection period.
Are new properties/houses obligated to join the system?
New houses built on lots sized under the minimum area have to join the scheme.
Hi Rodger, are people that live on Wainui Rd (past the town) allowed to join as it goes right past the gate? Or do we just have to carry on with septic tanks?
From what I remember if your property size is under the minimum area then you can join the scheme. If your property size is large enough then those people are to continue with land based disposal as the preferred option. Ask WDC and see what they say.