Wainui's residents question the cost
Friday, 4 April 2008
By Sophie Rishworth

The majority of Wainui residents who gathered at an information evening at Wainui School last night seemed resigned to the fact that reticulation had to happen -- but were worried about spiralling costs.

Some felt the decision to abandon the present septic and water tank system to become part of the town's system was a foregone conclusion, but district councillor Andy Cranston, who is also a Wainui resident, said it could still go either way.

"This is part of the consultation process. I have a conflict of interest there but, at the end of the day, we're going to have to make a call and I am happy to do that when the time comes."

The proposed Fluid-Tec Pressure sewer system on display was a cheaper option because it eliminated the need for several large pumping stations to get the sewage back into town.

The individual Fluid-Tec systems were smaller and would be buried in backyards, grinding the sewage into grey water before it journeyed back to town, as opposed to a few large pumping stations positioned between Wainui and town, which had a high odour and maintenance factor, he said.

Some were not convinced.

"Why have 700 individual pumps? Isn't it cheaper to maintain three or four stations?" one resident asked.

"If they are putting this design here, then why are they not putting them in Sponge Bay and Potae Ave if it is such a good system?"

Those about to build were unsure what to do.

"We don't want to have to pay twice. We don't want to put in a septic system then have to pull it out a few years later," said one section owner.

One resident felt the council had an agenda that was driving the decision.

"It has to be done but not at the cost at what they should have done years ago. The city is in so much debt, so why now? I can't help think it is developers somehow -- they want it ready for more people coming in and using the system."

Others who had lived in the Wainui community since the '60s seemed unconvinced about changes to the tank system.

"I have had no problems with septic tank or water, no tummy bugs like they do in town and when you have gin and water out here, it tastes like gin," said one long-time resident.

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