Third of houses on new sewer system
Over a third of houses in the Ruakaka South Sewer Scheme Extension have now been connected to the new system.
The scheme is to replace septic tanks, many of which are old and pose a potential health and environment risk, said Whangarei District Council Waste and Drainage Manager Andrew Carvell.
"This is the first 160 of 470 properties that will join the scheme by the end of June next year," he said.
Around 30 people have worked in the area over eight months, he said, "laying new sewer mains along roads, installing the domestic pump stations and boundary kits, installing the electrical components necessary to run the pumps, and upgrading new pumping stations."
Mr Carvell said everyone involved in the project, including head contractor, Fulton Hogan and local companies Currie electrical, Northpower and Te Aratika Drilling, had worked hard to keep disruptions to the public to a minimum.
"We have all appreciated the support the community has shown as this project progressed."
By June next year the remaining 310 properties will be connected to the scheme, which will then pump wastewater from 470 individual properties to the Ruakaka Waste Water Treatment Plant.
The treatment plant will be extended to handle the increased volume of wastewater, he said The $9.4 million project has received significant backing from the Ministry of Health, who are subsidising up to $6.8 million.
The remaining cost has is being funded with $2 million from the Whangarei District Council and individual property owners contributing $10,194 each.
'Installing the new system and increasing the capacity of the centralised waste water treatment plant will also enable more development to take place in the area," Mr Carvell said
