New wastewater network future proofing Selwyn growth
Selwyn District Council media release: 8th July 2024
A $35.5 million wastewater pipeline project across Ellesmere will futureproof the Selwyn District Council network for future growth in the Ellesmere catchment and bring the network up to modern environmental standards.
The Council’s largest single infrastructure project for the financial year was celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony at Chamberlain’s Ford and is expected to be completed by December 2025.
“We’ve committed to investing in our infrastructure for the long-term. The current wastewater treatment facility in Leeston will soon be too small to cope with the population growth in the Ellesmere area. We all know that Selwyn is the fastest growing district in the country, and we need to make sure our infrastructure is prepared for the future.” says Mayor Sam Broughton.
The Mayor pointed out that underground infrastructure often goes unnoticed so it was important to acknowledge the commencement of this project.
“Underground projects are not like playgrounds and libraries, that people can see and enjoy, but they are arguably the most important part of our infrastructure.”
The project lead contractor is CORDE and Chief Executive David Wilson says it will be a complicated project, with two river crossings along the 24 kilometre route along with new pump stations at Ellesmere Wastewater Treatment Plant and Upper Selwyn Huts.
The pipeline from Leeston will run along Leeston Road, Beethams Road, Bethels Road and Swamp Road, with an extension along Days Road and Selwyn Lake Road.
“It’s an exciting job, a good challenge with really positive outcomes for our local communities.”
With the route following Leeston Road, Mr Wilson acknowledges that there will be some delays for local residents when the pipe is constructed in their area but says the Council will work closely with affected residents to minimise any inconvenience.
“Our team will give residents plenty of warning when they expect work to start in their road and we will do our utmost to minimise the disruption to their daily movements, especially our vulnerable residents,” says Wilson.
The works will progress quickly and any disruption to residents or the traveling public will be for a short duration in any single location but Mr Wilson says he hopes the affected communities will appreciate the long-term benefits for the temporary disruption.
The project team has worked closely with Te Taumutu Rūnanga to deliver a common goal to install pipes through sites and areas of significance to them.
The Council acknowledges and thanks Te Taumutu Rūnanga for their support and guidance throughout this project.
Get more about the Ellesmere to Pines Pipeline project.