Milne Welcomes $1.7m government funding for improvements to Southbridge Sewage Scheme

Labour's spokesperson for Rakaia, Tony Milne, today welcomed the significant announcement of $1.7 million dollars of government funding for improvements to Southbridge's sewage system.

The announcement was part of a $30 million dollar package, the Sanitary Works Subsidy Scheme, the Labour-Progressive Government announced in May last year to help disadvantaged small to medium sized communities to upgrade or build new sewage systems or sewage treatment plants.

"Southbridge was 1 of 12 areas to be approved from a total of 73 applicants in this years round", Tony Milne said.

"Sanitary works are the most effective and usually the most efficient means of managing the risks to public health associated with drinking water and inadequate sewage treatments", Tony Milne said.

"Without the help of a subsidy, a small community with a badly-maintained sewage treatment system could expose the community to disease-causing pathogens or bugs. This subsidy will improve public health and improve the environment", Tony Milne said.

"These grants are good news for New Zealand, and good news for the people of Southbridge. They demonstrate, yet again, Labour's commitment to rural communities" Tony Milne said.

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