According to the New Zealand Herald, a third of Wellington’s wastewater pipes are in poor condition while the rest of country is also struggling as its aging infrastructure follows decades of under investment.
Water New Zealand compiled a study showing 33 per cent of Wellington’s wastewater pipes are in poor condition with an average age of 51, despite an anticipated lifespan of at least 100 years.
After multiple collapses and failures through the city, Water New Zealand Technical Manager Noel Roberts said more funding from councils across the country is necessary, albeit challenging due to competing requirements.
“Much of the network is underground and therefore not visible, so there is a temptation for councils to underspend on buried assets and make more visible changes to cities in order to keep rates low,” said Mr Roberts.
Last week, the New Zealand Government announced details of its $12 billion investment for infrastructure with transport receiving a total $6.8 million while spending on water infrastructure didn’t feature.
Despite the announcement, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the government was making “huge progress” on water issues by working closely with local governments, although the funding stage of projects had not yet commenced.
Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Milford said that due to the recent failure of the city’s – and country’s – pipes, this work “can’t happen soon enough.”
For more information visit the Water New Zealand website.
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