Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina and Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board Chair Lemauga Lydia Sosene are teaming up to to share an important message with whānau and children – stay safe around manholes and drains.
Cr Filipaina says manholes and drains around our community may seem harmless, but if something like a ball goes down a drain kids can put themselves at serious risk by trying to get it out.
“Please remind your kids to play safe by staying away from drains and manholes,” he says.
“If you notice anything missing, dislodged or damaged around drains, grates, grilles or manhole covers please call 09 301 0101 as Auckland Council treats these issues as a serious risk to public safety.”
Lemauga Lydia Sosene says calling the council is the best thing to do if something doesn’t look right. She also wants people to be extra careful during periods of heavy rain.
“During or immediately after heavy rain the whole water network will usually have very fast-flowing, large volumes of water," she says.
"Water levels can rise within minutes to unsafe levels, with the potential to wash a person away. Please be vigilant around drains and any waterway at this time.
“If you see a manhole cover or drain grille that’s either not secured properly or is open please call 09 301 0101 immediately.
"Please also pass on this message to any children you know: play safe and stay away from drains and manholes.”
