Put a lid on it! It’s dirty work but someone has to do it – and in this case it is the talented team at Watercare.
Its staff are undertaking pipeline assessment work in Māngere East, videoing and clearing pipes to assess them for damage – and it’s important people keep their toilet lids down while they do it.
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board chair Tauanu'u Bakulich says its important people watch out for the Watercare teams.
“We want them to be safe while they are in our streets doing this critical work. After the flooding we had it’s important we understand everything is as it should be.
“We can help them by keeping the lids on our toilets down, so keep an eye on your letterboxes because Watercare is sending information on what is taking place.”
The work is part of a $14.15 million project to reduce sewer overflow and cater for growth.
Watercare project manager Frank Lin says a team member may visit to explain what’s happening when Watercare is working nearby.
“They will ask people to close the toilet lid and put something heavy while we check for damage. Our team will flush the pipes and that can cause toilet backups.
“We will let residents know when we have finished, and if the work does cause an overflow, we can clean it up if people call or text 022 096 6828.”
Most of the work is outside properties and Lin says Watercare staff will always have ID, and contractors Pipeline Civil and March Cato will have authorisation letters.
“People can expect us to knock on their doors before we start. Our people will never ask for any form of payment, so if someone does, they aren’t real Watercare people.”
Bakulich says once pipes have been cleaned and assessed, Watercare will begin repairing any damage, with that likely to happen at Rehua Place, Aorere Park and surrounding streets from February on.
“This is all part of a $14.15 million project to reduce sewer overflow, build resiliency, and cater for growth. It will enable new healthy homes in our area. It shouldn’t cause too much disruption but be patient and respect crews working to improve our wastewater network.”
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