Sewerage schemes back before council

The proposed sewerage schemes for Benhar and Tokoiti are back before the Clutha District Council at its meeting today, as councillors discuss which properties will be a part of the two new systems.

Estimates for the cost of the schemes are $1.3 million for Benhar and $710,000 for Tokoiti, but the number of properties in the Benhar scheme could vary between 44 and 52, depending on whether or not property owners outside of the "core" area decide to join the scheme.

If all 52 properties split Benhar's 50% share of the $1.3 million bill equally, the lump sum per property would be $12,899, with the Clutha district funding the remaining $670,000.

However, this figure could change depending on how many properties outside the core area join, which could see the individual figure increase to up to $13,859.

Benhar Consultative Committee chairman Phil Barrett said last week's meeting with council staff left residents feeling angry and many felt the committee was a "waste of time".

"No-one can afford to challenge what the council does, and no-one can afford the scheme."

Mr Barrett said the group had been in contact with the ombudsman who suggested residents seek legal advice. He said he was looking at a rates bill of about $60 per week for his property at Benhar - if the proposed scheme was on budget.

In Tokoiti, the number of properties in the scheme could vary between 24 and 32, with a lump sum of $11,094 per property if shared equally between the maximum number of 32.

Tokoiti Community Group chairman Colin Child, said the committee met with the council two weeks ago to discuss who would be in the scheme and who would be out.

"The cost to each property has increased, with the council's funding option meaning some people who had the option to join may not."

The group was also investigating approaching the ombudsman regarding concerns about the process used by the council.

The Clutha District Council was also looking at offering properties outside the core areas of both townships a discounted figure, depending on property placement and the possibility of connecting into existing sewerage schemes.

At a special meeting in December, the council decided to split the cost of new sewerage systems in Benhar and Tokoiti in half, with 50% funded by the townships and the remainder shared across the district.

The running costs of both schemes would be shared across Balclutha and Benhar, and Milton and Tokoiti, as both townships would link into the larger towns' existing schemes.

Council district assets manager Jules Witt said the indecision around the number of properties and their locations had delayed the letting of tenders.

Mr Witt said he expected tenders and final scheme figures to be announced next month. It was possible work could begin on the Tokoiti scheme next month, he said.

Pumps would be installed at Benhar properties, while Tokoiti would have a gravity system.

Mr Witt said the council had not heard from the ombudsman.