New fire-fighting water main opens
Recently retired Councillor Noel Riley cuts the ribbon on the new fire main. Looking on are, from left, Kevin Hebberd, Josh Woolf, Philip Woolf and councillor Trevor Norriss. Photo: Neil Wilson.
What began as a community need after the Fonterra fire of 2005, and highlighted by the Commercial Street fire last year, is now a reality with the official opening of the Takaka fire main by recently retired Golden Bay councillor Noel Riley.
Designed to service the fire protection needs of the Takaka central business district, the fire main project was completed this month at a cost of $1.065 million.
Fed by wells behind the Takaka fire station, the fire main provides local and immediate access to the water required by the fire brigade. Previously fire fighters had to rely on the tanks in their trucks and other non-guaranteed sources.
During the installation of the main, building owners were given the opportunity to connect building-specific sprinkler systems to further enhance the fire protection for their buildings.
The design and construction phase was also significant because of the consultation with the affected business community. The timing and management of the project was agreed to by all parties to minimise disruption during the busy Christmas period and construction season.
Takaka Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Philip Woolf welcomed the enhanced capability provided by the main and said that the reticulated system had been a long time coming.
TDC assets utilities engineer Jeff Cuthbertson said he was very satisfied with both the process and the outcome.
Neil Wilson
