The Southland District Council may prosecute a handful of
stragglers who have ignored requests to connect to the
Otautau reticulated sewerage and wastewater scheme.
The property owners would be sent a letter in the new year
instructing them to connect within three months or face
prosecution, council environment and community group manager
Bruce Halligan said.
The scheme, which covers about 470 households, was installed
14 years ago to replace individual septic tanks.
''A more forceful approach'' was needed for the four property
owners who had still not connected despite reminder letters
over several years, Mr Halligan said.
''Hopefully, prosecution will not prove necessary, but these
properties cannot remain unconnected indefinitely.''
Prosecution could result in a fine of up to $5000.
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