Rangataua problems not forgotten

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 422, 4 February 1992, Page 2

Rangataua problems not forgotten

by

Garrick

workman, mayor, ruapehu dlstrict council

The concerns being expressed about drainage and roading maintenance standards ' at Rangataua have not been ignored. Both issues will be considered by the

Waimarino Community Board at its February meeting and hopefully some action can be taken on the most pressing of these, the deep open drains, in the new financial year.

A report on the drainage problems is being prepared for Council's consideration and the Community Board will have to recommend a course of action and a level of priority for the work if it is to be included in the Annual Plan for the 1992/93 financial year. Rangataua has a long history of drainage problems. These were last addressed by the former Waimarino County Council and the former Catchment Board several years ago when most drains-both roadside and on private property-were cleaned. At that time the Catchment Board provided a subsidy for this type of work. This subsidy no longcr exists. The real problem that exists now though is the depth of the drains. Many are lower than the culverts and as a result hold water all year round. The cost of rectifying the situation will be considerable but jSomething needs to be done even if the work is spread over a period of time. Around the time this issue was raised, via a

petition from Rangataua residents, Peter Bishop wrote to the Bulletin complaining about the amount of rates being spent on the Mountain Road. Although many people are aware of the fact, I will nevertheless advise readers that all maintenance work, including administrative costs undertaken by Council on the Mountain Road is funded 100 percent by Transit New Zealand. The Mountain Road is a 'special purpose' Road as is the Bruce Road. Council is hoping Transit New Zealand will also declare the RaetihiPipiriki Road a 'special purpose' Road so that all maintenance work is funded 100 percent as well and any major upgrading work funded at a level of 75 percent. Council received a 58 percent subsidy from Transit New Zealand for approved maintenance and shape correction work on its own roading network; During the Waimarino Ward tour last November, Council, representatives discussed with Turn page 4

Rangataua concerns

From page 2 ratepayers concerns they had pertaining to roads in the Waimarino area. As report on that tour will also be considered by the Community Board and by Council's Roading Committee. Following these meetings, those who met with Council will be advised as to what actions will/will not be taken in regard to the issues raised. This year, more than

ever before, Council must continue to keep a tight rein on expenditure. Rates must not increase, but decrease if at all possible. By the same token we must not compromise on maintenance standards as we will pay the penalty at a later date. Against this background it will not be easy making decisions on expenditure levels. We must do the best we can and be paticnt at the same time.