Lack of funds for toilets

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 511, 9 November 1993, Page 1

Lack of funds for toilets

Tourists and day-trip-pers to the tiny settlement of Pipiriki may be left wanting for toilet facilities unless the Ruapehu District Council comes forth with funds. Pipiriki-based Department of Conservation ranger Dennis McDonnell appealed to the Waimarino Community Board at their monthly meeting last week, for funds to keep the community' s toilet block and shelter open for public use. Mr McDonnell told the board that the facility may have to close next year if funds are not forthcoming. Most of the $4,800 allocated by DoC for the maintenance of both facilities has been spent on the up-keep of the toilet block, he said. An example of usage said Mr McDonnell, was a "quiet day" last week when 26 people used the facility. "It is the only public toilet between Atene and Pipiriki, and Raetihi.", he said. "It is essential that they be available to river users and tourists." Mr McDonnell quoted a 5.6% increase in tourism this year alone, with a 53.1% increase in road usage between Raetihi and Pipiriki.

Mayor Garrick Workman suggested that a joint venture between the Ruapehu District Council and DoC be considered as one way of aleviating the problem. Repair Mr McDonnell said the existing shelter is in need of repair; the next stage being demolition. He sited the adjacent toilet block as being "inadequate", constantly in need of cleaning and prone to vandalism. Ideally he said, a brand new complex consisting of information centre and toilet facilities be built. However, the bulk of land in the area is owned by Pipiriki Incorporated who refuse permission to outside developers and organisations (including DoC) to build. All sections, bar the one that the present shelter building is located, are owned by the organisation. Mayor Garrick Workman told the members that they as a community board to the council "can't just sit back and pretend we don;t have a part in it." "We have to ensure those facilities are available to the public", he said. "At the end of the day we are a district."