07/02/2006

ODC find Kawhia is blase about wastewater options

"If it is that important to them - people would have put pen to paper."
That was the comment from Otorohanga mayor Dale Williams after council received little response from a survey regarding the installation of a reticulated wastewater system in Kawhia.
About 400 surveys were distributed to Kawhia ratepayers in December after the community board agreed consultation was necessary before going ahead with the second stage of applying for the Ministry of Health's Sanitary Works Subsidy Scheme (SWSS).
SWSS could see council receive a subsidy of up to 90 per cent in order to establish a new wastewater system in the town.
The first stage of the submission cost about $5000 and determined whether council was likely to qualify for funding.
The second stage, which will investigate the finer details of the proposed system, is expected to cost $20,000-$30,000.
At a Kawhia Community Board meeting last Thursday it was revealed with a few days remaining till the survey closed on January 31, only about 100 survey forms had been returned.
Of those returned about 70 per cent signalled they were favoured a reticulated wastewater system, being installed.
The remaining 30 per cent either opposed - or were not sure - of their stance on a proposed system.
Board member Ray Tooman said he was disappointed at the level of response to the survey and questioned whether the deadline could be extended.
"Because we have only got a 25 per cent response, is it worth giving them another month?" he said.
Chief executive David Hall said in order to qualify for SWSS, council also had to meet a deadline.
"To put it off until March is not feasible. We really have to make a decision soon."
Mr Hall said it was common for councils to receive a 25 per cent response to a public survey or poll.
Mr Tooman and board chairman Allan RuBay expressed concern about the installation of a reticulated water system, citing cost and land as the main issues.
Mr Williams reassured the board that moving on to the second stage of the application process would not commit them to adopting the new system.
"We don't know what the next step of the investigation will show so it is by no means saying 'yes it will happen' or `no it won't"'.
"All we are saying is in principal is it worthwhile exploring?" said Mr Williams.
The board resolved to support the survey results which will determine whether council will move on to the second stage of the application process.
Before committing to installation of a reticulated wastewater system in Kawhia, a formal referendum will be held.