Voluntary water scheme offered

DETAILS on the Manawatu District Council’s offer of a voluntary town water supply for Rongotea are outlined in an information sheet and survey form being distributed throughout the area.

The offer follows a rejection by ratepayers in April of a proposed $2.9 million compulsory water scheme for the town, with 62.5 percent of the 235 eligible voters (out of 297) who responded to the community poll against the proposal and 37.5 percent in favour.

Water Manager, Wayne Spencer, said council’s decision to make the scheme voluntary enabled the ratepayer to have a choice on whether or not to connect their household to the new town water supply.

“We are leaving it up to them to decide whether the supply is something they are keen on and able to do,” he said. “And if they decide not to join, then they will not have to pay any costs towards the scheme.”

Mr Spencer said the Ministry of Health’s decision to subsidise the voluntary scheme by 80 percent amounted to about $2.3 million worth of investment in the community.
“The construction of a reliable, safe and accessible town water supply marks a real turning point for future development and investment in Rongotea. And by connecting to the town supply, ratepayers can expect to add thousands to the capital value of their property.”

Ratepayers who decide to join the scheme early and commit before the construction stage would get a connection to their boundary as part of their $1950 capital contribution.
“Once the works are complete though, they will be able to join the town supply whenever they are ready, but will have to pay both a capital contribution and a connection fee.”
Mr Spencer said because of the way the project was funded, the contribution cost would increase by about $300 every year, climbing to a projected $4700 after 10 years.
“It’s important to consider that the scheme is worth about $9500 per property, and even after 10 years, owners will still be getting a connection for less than half price.”
An information session for ratepayers wanting more detail about the offer is to be held from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday (August 5) in the Rongotea Library.