MP Welcomes Drinking Water Subsidies for Local Health Camps
MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the success by the El Rancho and Forest Lakes christian camps in gaining drinking water subsidies.
El Rancho in Waikanae and Forest Lakes in Otaki will each receive several hundred thousand dollars to improve their drinking water supplies.
“I am thrilled that these camps, which provide fantastic help to families throughout the lower North Island, will be supported by the Government in this way,” says Mr Guy.
“These grants are among nearly $19 million of subsidies being made to small communities to help them improve their drinking water supplies and another $5.8 million for new sewerage systems.”
Applications to the Ministry of Health for drinking water assistance came from a variety of territorial authorities, marae and community organisations – all with communities of under 5000 people.
Mr Guy says the amount of subsidy made available to specific communities is commercially sensitive at this stage, as communities will be seeking tenders for the various projects.
The water supply applications are the last assessed under the Capital Assistance Programme’s old criteria. The scheme is currently being reviewed by the Ministry to ensure it benefits communities with the greatest need.