Water project deadlines not worrying councils

The Timaru District Council is confident it can complete the $6.8 million of stimulus-funded work for water projects by March next year.

The funding, from the Government in November, was contingent on councils signing up to the first stage of consultation of the three waters reform.

Project delivery manager Ashley Harper said he could not give a breakdown of costs for the 16 projects as many of them were still going through the tender or procurement phase, but was confident they would all be delivered within the promised timeframe.

‘‘We were very particular in choosing the projects to be submitted to central Government, some of which will be co-funded,’’ Harper said.

‘‘That’s why we’re confident that we can get all these projects started by March this year, and finished within 12 months.’’

Harper said there would be no significant hurdles for the projects.

‘‘We have been very careful in our planning. We knew we could justify all the projects.

‘‘These were projects not listed in our annual or long-term plans, so they also provide a future benefit.

‘‘It’s work we would need to get done at some stage, just moved forward.’’

In the Waimate District, mayor Craig Rowley, whose council received $3.36m in funding, said he was also confident its 17 projects will be completed on time.

‘‘It really depends on the supply chain for infrastructure such as pipes and other pieces required,’’ Rowley said.

‘‘I’m confident that staff has all the projects on hand.’’

South Canterbury’s three district councils have previously expressed concern about the possible loss of autonomy through the Government’s three waters reform, which could include the creation of a few publicly-owned superregional entities to oversee the country’s stormwater, wastewater and drinking water.

Rowley said his council had made a request for further information from the Department of Internal Affairs about the reforms.

‘‘We’re hoping we will be able to get some clear answers and information about the direction they intend to head.

‘‘We certainly want our voice to be heard.’’

A spokesperson for Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta said ‘‘the Government has indicated that its starting intention is publicly-owned multi-regional models for water service delivery to realise the benefits of scale for communities and reflect neighbouring catchments and communities of interest’’.

‘‘There is a preference that entities will be in shared ownership of local authorities which will want to ensure that appropriate mechanisms for community input are retained in future arrangements,’’ she said.

The Mackenzie District Council has $5.12m for 28 related projects. Mayor Graham Smith was unavailable for comment.

‘‘We have been very careful in our planning. We knew we could justify all the projects. Ashley Harper