The capacity of the city’s wastewater treatment plant is being increased to meet expected population growth and city expansion. The aim of the sewerage upgrade, which will cost about $30 million over the 10 years, is to match the plant’s ability to cope with greater demand. Another aim is to reduce the frequency of overflows that can happen in wet weather.

The over-all programme has been in the planning stages for several years and some of the work is already under way. The main projects planned, with timings for when the work is expected to be done, include:

• A pressure main diversion in the Halswell area from Pumping Station (PS) 60 to a larger capacity system (March 2003 – March 2004). This work has already begun
• A new PS No 11 at Randolf Street in Linwood (December 2003 – 2004). Design and purchasing under way
• A new pressure main from PS No 11 to the wastewater treatment plant (February 2003 – December 2004)
• A new Western Interceptor Sewer and Southern Relief Sewer Augmentation, diverting flow away from PS No 1 in Pages Road to new PS11 (June 2004-2010)
• The upgrade of PS 20 capacity and new pressure main to PS No 11. This work is almost complete

City Water and Waste Manager Mike Stockwell says that the improvements are part of the continuous upkeep of the city’s infrastructure.

“As the city grows, greater demand placed on essential services such as the sewerage system.

“This programme is a major commitment by the Council, requiring a significant amount of rates funding.

“During construction of the various projects, some people — such as residents, business owners and drivers — may be affected in different parts of town. We will endeavour to inform them in plenty of time about the work, and how long it is likely to take,” Mr Stockwell says.