24 February 2011

The Porirua City Council decided at its meeting last night to complete over $2 million of sewer pipe renewals from July this year.

Mayor Nick Leggett moved that $2.104 million be added into the yearly budget which is to be considered with public consultation in the Council's Annual Plan over the next two months.

"This work is the council's highest priority. It's one of the core services we provide and I'm determined as Mayor to ensure that we respond strongly and quickly to problems with our dilapidated sewer system," says Nick Leggett.

The council has identified that approximately 25% of the wastewater pipe network is rated at an extreme to high risk of failure and is a priority for replacement. During heavy rainfall water infiltrates the cracked pipe network, which along with tree root blockages, can cause overflows in public areas or bypasses directly into the sea at the wastewater treatment plant.

"This asset replacement is about community health and environmental protection. If this proposal is accepted we are essentially taking the budget of about seven years replacement work and doing it within one year. It sends a clear signal to the Porirua community that we take these issues very seriously."

Mayor Leggett said that like many Councillors, he campaigned on the importance of this replacement work being undertaken and is pleased it will commence within the next few months.

95% and 96% of Porirua City residents regard wastewater and water as being the most important services the council provides.

ENDS

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