For some years, Aucklanders have been angry that raw sewage is seeping into the Waitemata Harbour making local beaches unswimmable.
The latest area to have separation is Freemans Bay where work is currently worrying residents. The locals understand some disruption is inevitable while the pipes are laid, and that the work needs to be carried out, but have raised a number of questions about the process. Maps showing where and how the work will be carried out are prominently displayed at the top of Hepburn Street and on the council website.
Online, concerned citizens are invited to email council with queries.
The separation work has already been carried out in nearby streets. However, citizens tell me answers from council have been hard to get.
On behalf of some concerned residents of Picton Street, I talked with Barry Potter, Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services at Auckland Council. Potter heard me out politely and promised to have a relevant person get back to me with answers.
The next day I was pleased to get a call from a liaison person, Ngan. I explained the issues which were worrying people the most. Ngan suggested a meeting with relevant council officers who could answer my questions.
It was always likely that time would run out before the December Ponsonby News deadline, and that is indeed the case.
I am still hopeful that the substantive questions Picton Street residents are asking will be answered satisfactorily.
The main points of contention are:
1. What is the completion date for Picton Street work?
2. What was the result of vibration tests already carried out?
3. Has the geology and clay base of the land been adequately taken into account by the contractor?
4. Could temporary parking permits be issued to residents, and all other parking banned from Picton Street, for safety and congestion reasons?
5. Could more care be taken of the street’s iconic plane trees, some of which have been torn and broken by heavy traffic?
6. Could heavy tonnage traffic be banned from Picton Street while the project is being carried out?
7. Could the street be swept and cleaned during this project, as rubbish, leaves, twigs and even branches now litter the street and are a hazard for the children and the elderly?
8. Danger to children and the elderly is of particular concern.
Residents have tried to get some of these questions answered without success. It is about communication and consultation. Some of these issues appear to have fallen through the cracks and not owned by anyone.
I look forward to a constructive and fruitful discussion with council officers very soon. (JOHN ELLIOTT)