Water option for Rongotea

A public meeting is to be held in Rongotea on Monday, February 11, to discuss an option to install a reticulated drinking water supply for the town.

Representatives from the Manawatu District Council, Rongotea Community Committee and the Ministry of Health will attend the meeting which starts at 7.30pm in the Te Kawau Memorial Sports Centre.

Water Manager, Wayne Spencer, said the option follows a move by the ministry to offer financial assistance to qualifying communities on the installation of new or upgraded public water supplies.

“Council believes Rongotea could benefit greatly from such a supply,” said Mr Spencer, “and now seeks confirmation from the community to proceed with a funding application on its behalf.”

He said initial estimates placed the cost of the scheme at $4 million, with the possibility of up to a 95 percent funding subsidy.

“Ongoing operational and maintenance costs to be funded through rates are estimated to be in the order of $250 to $350 per rateable property per year,” said Mr Spencer. “The actual costs are not able to be determined until water treatment requirements are identified.”

A notice of meeting has been sent to all Rongotea ratepayers/property owners as well as a questionnaire asking their preference for such a supply. They have until Friday, March 1, to reply.