Sewer repairs begin soon

The $1.6 million sewer mains upgrade in Cannons Creek and alongside State Highway 1 will begin soon, with its aim to prevent water pouring into the sewer at ‘‘an alarming rate’’.

Porirua City Council recently completed a review of the sewer mains network, finding a number of areas in the city at risk of failure. A renewal programme has been set in place, often using ‘‘trenchless relining construction’’ methods, according to a report to a council committee last week.

The trunk sewer line north of Aotea block was found to be severely corroded, with both the Porirua and Kenepuru streams pouring into the sewer. There was ‘‘imminent danger of col- lapse, with a high risk of effluent discharge into the harbour’’.

This area has been repaired and a new contract will see the relining of the sewer upstream. The Cannons Creek renewals will start in July or August.

The council’s general manager of asset management Peter Bailey said they need to dip into next year’s funding to continue the project.