Paihia sewage pipeline replacement advances

Good progress is being made on the Paihia sewage pipeline replacement project with contractors currently laying pipes in Selwyn Rd as they work their way towards the town centre.


Stop/go operators are being used to control traffic and every effort is being made to minimise disruption to vehicles and affected businesses while the work is carried out. The line is being replaced in 20 metre sections with each section backfilled at the end of the day to allow two-way traffic and unimpeded property access before and after work.


The Far North District Council is laying polyethylene pipes to replace the line’s 28-year-old asbestos cement pipes which tests have shown to be in a seriously deteriorated condition. The $1.1million project has been awarded to Fulton Hogan Ltd.


Project Manager Nigel Cheetham says the work is essential and needs to be carried out before the peak tourism season places an extra burden on the sewage system this summer.


“This work will minimise the risk of sewage spills resulting from pipeline failure so it is vitally important that we complete it and safeguard this environmentally fragile area,” he said.


The pipeline is being replaced from Central School car park pumping station in Williams Road to a gravity sewer in Davis Crescent off Marsden Road and is expected to be finished in mid-November with a short break over Labour Weekend to minimise disruption to holidaymakers.


“Despite our best efforts, there is some inconvenience for residents, visitors and commercial activities in Paihia while the work is being done,” Mr Cheetham said. “The contractor is contacting those directly affected by the works and keeping them informed on an ongoing basis and we have erected signs to let people know what is going on and why.”


As with the Waitangi pipeline replacement project, a liaison team is meeting regularly throughout the project to keep key agencies informed and the work is being monitored to ensure there is no damage to archaeologically important sites.