​Deliberate damage creates public health risk in Waihola

Deliberate damage to wastewater infrastructure creates public health risk in Waihola

Council is calling on the community to help protect essential public infrastructure following deliberate damage to a wastewater breather pipe on Titri Road, Waihola.

The vandalism, which occurred over the weekend, caused sewage to overflow onto the public road and neighbouring properties and created a significant public health and environmental risk. This asset has been intentionally damaged more than once.

The incident required an urgent after-hours response from our contractors to contain the overflow and make the area safe.

A replacement pipe must now be fabricated and installed. Costs are likely to exceed $2,000 for the new pipe and the after-hours call out.

Wastewater and Stormwater Supervisor Peter Falconer said the damage had consequences well beyond the cost of repairs.

"This was not a harmless act of vandalism. The damage resulted in sewage discharging into public spaces and neighbouring properties, creating a genuine health and safety risk for residents, staff and contractors."

This infrastructure plays an important role in the operation of our wastewater network. Deliberately damaging these assets can result in environmental contamination, unnecessary emergency callouts, disruption to essential services and avoidable costs to our ratepayers.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour around public infrastructure, or who has information relating to this incident, are asked to report it as soon as possible.

Deliberate damage to essential infrastructure impacts the wider community and diverts resources away from maintaining and improving critical services.

We want to thank our contractors, who responded quickly to contain the overflow and secure the site.