Council seeking community’s help to ensure drains are safe

ROTORUA 23.10.09: Rotorua District Council is systematically checking the district’s more than 12,000 stormwater and sewer manholes to ensure they are safe, following the recent drowning tragedy of two year old Aisling Symes in Waitakere City in Auckland.

District Engineer Nico Claassen is asking residents’ to help the council to minimise the risk of a similar tragedy in Rotorua by keeping an eye out for any manholes covers that may have been shifted or removed.

“We do check these on a regular basis, and damaged or faulty manholes covers are replaced or locked down if they are regularly ‘popping’ as a result of the force of water during periods of intense rain.

“Others come loose from constant vehicle movement over them, and where they become a potential risk or nuisance we’ll replace them or lock down the lids.

“However with more than 12,000 manholes to attend to, and with many located on private property and in hard to access places, it’s very difficult to get to every single manhole throughout the city, our small communities and our rural areas.

“So we’re asking people in the district to keep an eye out now and in the future for any manholes where vandals may have shifted or removed the covers, or where the force of water has moved them. We’ll then send someone out to assess them and take whatever action is needed to keep them as safe as possible.”

Mr Claassen also pointed out that the district has more than eighty kilometres of open drains where enclosed pipes are not practical and he is reminding residents to be very aware of the potential dangers of these to young children, especially after periods of heavy rain.

He said many of these open drains are free of water most of the time and relatively safe, but that situation can change very quickly following a heavy downpour or long period of continuous rain.

“Please remember how quickly water can build up in these drains and know where your kids are. Please keep children well away from open drains when there has been rain.

“We’re also keen to hear about any open drains that become blocked by rubbish and debris as they will need clearing so they can function properly and safely.”

Mr Claassen said that while the city’s manholes are included in a regular and ongoing maintenance programme, the council is currently taking extra effort to maximise safety so that the chances of a tragic drowning in our city are reduced as much as possible.

Residents who become aware of missing or moved manholes covers, or open stormwater drains blocked by rubbish can call the council on 07 348 4199.

ENDS

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