We the undersigned call on the minister for local government to urgently appoint governors in Christchurch to take over the operations of the 3 Waters network.

The minister will already be aware that our sewage treatment plant has been damaged and it has taken 5 months to assess, but not start cleaning it up properly, so it doesn’t smell.

https://newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/aerators-surge-to-life-at-wastewater-treatment-plant

Aeration has also been installed but only a part solution, with no gas management the smell is being driven across the city.

https://oursocialhousing.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/BarbosaActivatedsludgebiotreatmentofsulphurouswasteemissionsRe_.pdf

Academic research suggests it should be managed, it’s not.

We are also concerned that the council has accepted that a move to government control of 3 waters is a ‘done deal’ and are “treading water” with un-necessary process with a view to pushing the major costs of repair past a government take over point.

https://councillive.ccc.govt.nz/video/10800

We are concerned, after reviewing a recent meeting about glass recycling, that the council is parking complex questions that it knows that government is about to take management of.

Our concern is that this will mean that the sewer systems in our city aren’t repaired properly until they are on government budgets.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/127901977/development-stymied-in-three-christchurch-suburbs-because-sewers-cant-cope

We are concerned about the economic impact to property development from existing systems not being fully repaired.

https://www.facebook.com/chrislynchmedia/posts/532357728252771

We are concerned that the smell across our city from the sewer network is having an impact on public mental and physical health as well as an economic benefit with some in the community saying they fell like they can’t leave their homes.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/8862238/Council-set-to-lose-consenting-power

Christchurch has a history of its city council not being able to react quickly enough in a crisis.  

Our cities sewer system is at that point and needs professional management.

We feel a sense that this council can see the writing in on the wall for 3 waters management and we are simply asking it to be pulled forward.

We understand that there will be some public resistance to taxpayer funds being used in this matter.  We are more concerned about the economic impact on our health and business systems which mean our community may contribute less and tax the health system more.