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 tofind 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.
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
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