Alma Road housing development reaches milestone
Buller District Council (BDC) has awarded WestReef Services Ltd contracts to set up sewer, stormwater, streetlights, footpaths and drinking water services for the proposed new Alma Road housing developments.
BDC’s Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says the contracts are a result of Crown funding received in 2022 through Kāinga Ora’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF) of up to $13.6 million for the Alma Road work, to be delivered in two phases.
“This is an exciting step towards being able to provide safe new homes for people who are likely to be or were previously affected by flooding, or others wanting a new start,” Mr Blom says.
“Government support was offered as recognition of Westport’s level of economic and social deprivation, vulnerability to natural hazards, national climate policy direction and the Te Tai O Poutini Plan (TTPP) development,” Mr Blom says.
Included in the contracts for phase one is core infrastructure work:
- Low-pressure sewer rising mains
- Water supply extensions
- A comprehensive stormwater system
- A 2.5 m wide shared pedestrian/cyclist path
- 16 additional streetlights
“Awarding these contracts means making sure we have the right services and improved road access in place to create a good community environment for the new homes,” Mr Blom says.
Last night council held a community drop-in session for Alma and McPadden Road residents to update them on progress and how impacts to the site will be managed.
The new infrastructure includes a low-pressure sewer system which will manage the release of wastewater into the Westport Wastewater Treatment Plant. This system includes in-ground tanks and remote-controlled pumps that can empty tanks before heavy rain events to reduce the volumes of water entering the treatment plant.
Two proposed pedestrian crossing refuge islands near the Cape Foulwind/Buller Rd intersection will be completed during these works.
An original piece of work to include widening the Lagoon Creek Bridge was removed from the tender contract because funds were insufficient.
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For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.