Media release
30 November 2001

Lloyd Elsmore Pool Upgrade One Of 160 Projects Underway

The upgrading of Lloyd Elsmore Pool in Pakuranga is one of the priority projects for Manukau City Council under its building and maintenance programme for the city. There are 160 projects currently underway, ranging from the $6.3 million Lloyd Elsmore upgrade to the building of a new dog pound in Manurewa and a toilet block at Clevedon showgrounds.

A progress report on this year's projects has gone to the Council's Strategic Management Committee.

Just over half the projects are roading or water-related, and the programme is 91% on target for the year. City manager Colin Dale says, "It is gratifying to see solid progress being made in building up the infrastructure of the city. Everyone knows about the big improvements such as Te Irirangi Drive and the new swimming pool complex in Mangere.

"But most of the Council's construction work is often only noted in the local neighbourhood where it's done, or is invisible, such as repairing drains or stormwater pumping stations. Every small project adds to a bigger whole and all contribute to better services for the entire city."

In addition to the new toilet blocks being built in Clevedon, blocks at Kawakawa Bay, Orere Point and Maraetai are being replaced.

There has been comment in the past on the cost of building or repairing these toilet blocks. Chairman of the Strategic Management Committee, Councillor Len Brown, says "Putting in toilet blocks nowadays is always costly because they must be vandal-proof, so we have to use tough but expensive materials. Sadly, it's a sign of the times. However we must face reality - we have no choice.

"We found in the past that these blocks are under constant attack, not only the buildings themselves but every single piece of equipment and plumbing. Whatever can be ripped out or destroyed will be, and that includes toilet pans.

So all the materials now used are extremely robust. Mirrors, for example, are made of stainless steel because they can't be shattered.

"Every council is now facing the same vandalism problem. People expect toilets in parks and other public spaces but they don't realise what these facilities cost to provide and maintain."

Other major asset development projects include:

- a new sub-regional dog pound being built at Manurewa at a cost of $2 million. It is due for completion mid-next year.

- the new half Moon Bay Ferry terminal project is costing $1.4 million and will be completed in the next financial year. In addition to the terminal there will be a wharf and car parking.

- sand replenishment on Eastern Beach, costing $350,00

- new lifts are being put in at the Howick rec centre

- the continuing upgrade of Otara Lake, at a total cost of $5.5 million and due for completion in 2004.

- $2.67 million is being spent on upgrading and renewing wastewater pump stations around the city.

- many playgrounds are being upgraded and renewed at a cost of $560,000

Colin Dale says "The Council has already completed two brand-new community facilities this year, the new Mangere Leisure Centre and the Tupu Dawson Rd library in Clover Park. I am pleased that the past 12 months have been another very productive year for the Council and the city has much to show in the way of new city assets.

"More than half the average household rates payment goes on basics such as sewerage, roads, parks and rubbish collection. That's worth remembering whenever someone criticises some small aspect of the Council's operations involving tiny amounts of money."

A copy of the report on the asset development programme is available from the Council tel 2625432.

ends

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