Drinking water subsidy for Takaka on hold
The recent decision by the Government to put the drinking water subsidy scheme on hold while the scheme is reviewed, has stalled TDC’s proposal to apply for a government subsidy for water supply projects in Motueka and Takaka.
Health Minister Tony Ryall announced that no new applications would be accepted while the review was in process.
“In effect this means council cannot, at this stage, make application for subsidy for either the Motueka or Takaka water supply schemes,” said council’s utilities asset manager, Jeff Cuthbertson, in a report to the engineering services committee.
Mr Cuthbertson recommended that council staff complete all work on the Motueka and Takaka water supplies pending applications to the Ministry of Health for a subsidy, and that all design work and documentation be completed for the installation of the Takaka fire-fighting reticulation but not tendered until the subsidy scheme review is complete.
Council has agreed to construct a fire-fighting reticulation system around Takaka’s central business district, but a submission from the Golden Bay Community Board to the Ten Year Plan process requested that staff reinvestigate the installation of a drinking water supply to the Takaka township. This installation would depend on council receiving an adequate government subsidy for the installation. Council agreed to apply to the Ministry of Health for a subsidy for the water scheme and re-engage in consultation with the community if the application was successful.
“The public health risk management plans have been completed for both townships,” said Mr Cuthbertson. “The preliminary design and notices of intent are almost complete. Very little work is required to complete all outstanding work on both applications … we are ready to go as soon as applications reopen.”
Takaka’s fire-fighting reticulation system is an approved project and has funding through new targeted rates. The specific design for this project has been on hold while council and Montgomery Watson Harza staff proceeded with the subsidy application.
“Considerable time will be required to complete the design, resolve property issues and gain resource consent,” said Mr Cuthbertson. Council will also complete tender documents for the construction of the fire-fighting reticulation installation.
“We will report back to council in March 2010 for final direction on whether to delay the installation of fire-fighting reticulation or make application for government subsidy for a total township supply. It is possible to delay the tender for the installation of the fire-fighting reticulation until around June 2010 and still have it installed in the central business district by October-November before the holiday season.”
Neil Wilson
