Council pays more for pipe repairs

Wellington City Council has signed a cheque for more than $7100 to cover the lion’s share of a property owner’s hefty sewer pipe repair bill.

But while Khandallah’s Warwick Eves has won the battle, he worries the war over who should pay for the upkeep of the capital’s lateral pipes will rage on.

Eves was charged $9476 to replace a half-a-century-old pipe, which transports waste to the public main, even though it failed several metres outside his boundary.

To make matters worse, the roots of a council-owned pohutukawa tree, also outside his Homebush Rd boundary, were found to have contributed to the pipe’s collapse in October.

Initially, the council gave Eves $1000 towards the works. However, a recent meeting saw it up its contribution.

After Eves’ plight came to light, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester publicly backed calls for the council to reclaim responsibility for maintaining the pipes.

However, a council spokesman said the increased contribution in the Eves’ case did not change its position that property owners were liable for their upkeep.

‘‘It wasn’t a change of heart. Council and Mr Eves agreed a cost share of the repair, based on our current policy.’’

While Eves was able to chalk up a win in his case, he feared other residents may not be as fortunate in the future.

‘‘They have to change the policy, it’s just unfair ... the problem is that other people are going to be faced with exactly the same situation and they’re going to come up against huge bills.’’

The council’s position was at odds with other councils around the country, including Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Porirua and Hutt City, who all took responsibility for the pipes.

Local Government New Zealand president and Hastings District Mayor Lawrence Yule said Wellington’s position appeared to be at odds with commonsense.