20/10/2005

Down the loo

Next time you travel to Kawhia you may have to hold on for a few more minutes, because Otorohanga District Council is demolishing the public toilets at Puti Bridge.
The decision was made at last week's council meeting.
Originally constructed in the 1960s, the Puti toilets include concrete block walls with corrugated iron roofing and a concrete floor. It comprises two lined pits, with no designated men's or women's cubicles. Engineering manager Dave Clibbery said there have been long-standing concerns in relation to the appropriateness of the Puti toilet block facility.
The acceptability of long drop toilets was also raised, with many arguing that a higher standard of ablution is expected in today's society.
Another major concern was highlighted in a report from services manager Ian Smith, who believes it is possible effluent from the toilets may be leaking into the harbour.
"There is evidence the level of effluent in the toilets rises and falls with the tides. If this is correct then it is possible the harbour is being contaminated during tidal ebb."
Councillors also discussed the abuse of the block, with many people using the area as a rubbish dump. Servicing a rest area on the side of SH31, the Puti toilet facility is often used as a short-term stop for travellers and freedom campers.
As well as rubbish being dumped nearby, it is also regularly deposited into the toilets with the contractor reporting items such as fish remains and clothing being found in the tanks. 
The cost of maintaining the facility is about $2000, including maintenance and pumping fees.
With an average traffic count of 1.5 vehicles at the toilet block daily and with alternative toilets 5km to the west in Kawhia and 5km to the east at the Oparau Roadhouse, it was decided the toilets were not worth retaining.
"We are just spending $200,000 on new toilets in Kawhia - it just seems absurd to retain a substandard service," said mayor Dale Williams.
It will cost about $2000 to demolish the building, empty and clean the existing tanks.
The existing picnic table will also be removed to discourage people from leaving litter.