Letters: Wastewater solution driven by a hard-working community steering committee

Te Karaka Bay, Lake Rotoiti. Photo/File

Two letters (March 7) regarding the East Rotoiti/Rotomā Sewerage Scheme require clarification. Finding a wastewater solution for these communities has, since 2014, been driven by a hard-working community steering committee established after a 2013 Environment Court directive.

The committee explored a range of alternatives and engaged with the communities to find solutions to help improve the lake water quality, protect public health and ensure it's cost-effective.

Council adopted the committee's recommendations including a treatment plant that connects to on-property pre-treatment devices via a reticulation network. Because it's new infrastructure, it is a new capital cost, funded by borrowing.

Central government, regional and Rotorua Lakes Council are contributing to it. Council is proposing a wastewater service levy for all ratepayers (except rural) to contribute towards the scheme and alleviate the financial burden on East Rotoiti/Rotomā residents.

There will be an estimated $14,100 in net-capital cost (after subsidy) per Rotoiti/Rotomā ratepayer. This figure cannot be finalised until the exact cost is known, but we have committed to staying within that amount. Regarding the $450 annual levy, this operation and maintenance service fee applies to all properties connected to a sewerage scheme.

The interest rate is estimated at $1000 if the capital cost is spread over a 25-year period (at an estimate of $14,100). The interest rate, for a capital investment, has not yet been confirmed but council is working towards a fixed percentage rate for residents to provide certainty.

Anyone interested in the facts about this scheme is welcome to visit: www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/rotoitirotoma.

Stavros Michael

Infrastructure general manager

Rotorua Lakes Council

Shared cycleway success

The new shared cycle ways to the forest are brilliant. I no longer take my car with bike on the back as the new Hemo gorge underpass and track save so much time. What a success!

However, my question is, when the shared path runs out and we are left with an old narrow footpath, where am I supposed to ride? On the footpath or on the road? I'm sure when I biked to school in the 70s it was against the law to ride your bike on a footpath?

It's important for the public to know, especially schoolchildren who (I hope) are being encouraged to ride to school?

Murray Piesse
Rotorua

The Rotorua Daily Post welcomes letters from readers. Please note the following:
• Letters should not exceed 250 words.
• They should be opinion based on facts or current events.
• If possible, please email.
• No noms-de-plume.
• Letters will be published with names and suburb/city.
• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only.
• Local letter writers given preference.
• Rejected letters are not normally acknowledged.
• Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the Editor's discretion.
• The Editor's decision on publication is final.
Email editor@dailypost.co.nz