Drainage projects suffer set-back

Press, 18 November 1981, Page 6

Drainage projects suffer set-back

Two big Christchurch Drainage Board projects — the $6 million Chaneys industrial treatment plant and the $3 million Woolston Cut — have had a further set-back. The board has abandoned plans to raise its first $1.2 million for the schemes in January, 1982? The decision was made because of difficulties in completing a financial agreement with the Chaneys plant dischargers, and the delay in receiving loan sanction for the Woolston Cut scheme, the board was told last evening. It will probably be May, 1982, before the board raises money for either scheme. A $1 million stopbanking scheme for the lower Avon River has .been approved by the board. The stopbanks, which will be about kneehigh, will run for six kilometres downstream from Kerrs Reach. Work will be funded in three stages between 1982 and 1986. Hazardous wastes The board will not be “pushed” into any decision concerning the disposal of potentially hazardous wastes, said the chairman, Mr C. H. Russell. The board is prepared to

take part in an investigation on the matter, but at this stage it does not want to become responsible for the disposal, of the wastes. A board member, Mr M. J. Dobson, said that he was still not convinced that the board was the group to take over the disposal problem. Vandals Vandals are causing big problems for Drainage Board

contractors, who are losing many lights and signs. The board was told of one example, on a stormwater piping contract, where 15 lights and two signs were stolen, five lights smashed, and barricades and lights thrown into a trench six times, within six months. The board decided to look at extra security for all contracts, as well as offering a reward to anyone who gives evidence that leads to a conviction.