South Otago residents are on final notice to fix their stormwater plumbing, as a four-year council project drags on longer than expected.
Clutha District councillors expressed surprise and frustration yesterday that the council’s project to eliminate inflow and infiltration of stormwater into wastewater systems — launched in 2021 — appeared to be stalled.
The matter came to light during the council’s infrastructure strategy and operations committee meeting in Balclutha.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said addressing the issue was not just a desirable technicality, as failure had serious consequences due to stormwater entering the wastewater system and leading to sewage overflows, and resulting fines.
Council staff began inspecting properties in 2021, and found significant numbers of non-compliant systems that were feeding stormwater into wastewater outlets.
Many homeowners had addressed the issue since, but about 1000 properties still had issues, a report said.
Mr Cadogan questioned what the council could do to enforce compliance.
"Overflows cost all ratepayers, so we need to move this forward."
During discussion, staff said it was possible for the council to carry out the work, then charge ratepayers after the fact.
Cr Alison Ludemann said she would not want to see struggling ratepayers singled out for enforcement action or fines.
"I wouldn’t want to target those already struggling in challenging financial times."
She said she understood why some homeowners were yet to comply, due to the high cost of remedial works.
"Some people are, quite simply, not able to afford to do the work, so I understand why the numbers are like they are. It’s just impossible for some residents."
Council deputy chief executive Jules Witt said a voluntary targeted rate had been raised as a possible solution in the past, but had been prevented by regulations.
A voluntary targeted rate would allow ratepayers to opt in to paying for the work through individual rates over a period of time, spreading high capital costs.
Mr Witt said new rules now gave councils the ability to set such rates, once a policy was in place.
If they chose to, councillors could consider such a policy as part of the council’s next annual plan, he said.
