Source: Radio New Zealand
Moa Point. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The government has confirmed there will be an independent review looking into the Moa Point treatment plant failure.
On 4 February, the plant failed, sending millions of litres of raw sewage into the Cook Strait per day.
Last week, Wellington Mayor Andrew Little met with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Local Government Minister Simon Watts to discuss the treatment plant’s failure.
Following the meeting, Little said the three agreed an independent inquiry was needed.
Watts said the failure of the capital’s wastewater infrastructure, and the impact it has had on communities, the economy and the environment were “completely unacceptable” and an “independent and transparent” inquiry was required to determine the causes.
“The public is owed the assurance that we understand what led to this failure and that we are taking steps to prevent it from happening again.”
The Crown review team, made up of independent senior water services sector figures with “relevant technical engineering, governance, commercial and legal expertise” will be appointed to both Wellington City Council and Wellington Water.
Mayor Andrew Little. RNZ / Mark Papalii
“The review team will be tasked with delivering clear, actionable recommendations which set out concrete next steps, including specific actions for Wellington City Council where necessary,” Watts said.
Because management of water services will move from Wellington Water to the new council-controlled organisation Tiaki Wai Ltd, Watts said timely findings and recommendations were needed.
On Sunday, Wellington Water chair Nick Leggett resigned, saying stepping aside would allow Wellington Water to focus on fixing the problems and restoring public trust.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
