Big boost for marae and small drinking-water supplies

Associate Health Minister Damien O’Connor today announced $11.3 million (ex GST) of funding to upgrade 33 small community drinking-water supplies.

"I'm delighted to announce this government investment, which will allow more New Zealanders access to consistently clean, safe drinking water," said Mr O'Connor.

The funding is for the second round of support provided by the Drinking Water Assistance Programme announced by the Labour–led government in 2005 and administered by the Ministry of Health. The programme provides funding of $150 million over 10 years to improve the quality of drinking-water in small communities.

The money will be used to develop new water sources, improve treatment systems and replace aging reticulation systems.

Associate Minister of Health Mita Ririnui is particularly pleased that more than $3 million (ex GST) of the funding will be allocated to upgrade drinking-water supplies at 19 marae and Maori communities.

“Together with the $1.3m that was provided to nine marae and Maori communities in 2007 this is a significant investment in Maori health.”

“Safe, clean water is central to the principle of manaakitanga. This programme ensures the quality of drinking water in Maori communities will be vastly improved,” said Mr Ririnui.

Mr O’Connor said that most people in New Zealand are served by large urban drinking-water supplies that comply with standards.

“Safe and reliable drinking-water is critical for public health and to industries such as tourism. This is another good example of the investment this Labour-led government is putting into smaller rural and disadvantaged communities,” said Mr O’Connor.

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