News

Government funds Ratana drinking water upgrade

Nanaia Mahuta

06.08.2008

The Labour-led government is committing $100,151 to the Wanganui region to upgrade drinking water supplies in the small community of Ratana, says Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta.

The funding is part of a $7 million contribution nationwide which was announced by Associate Health Ministers Damien O'Connor and Mita Ririnui today.

It comes from the third round of support provided by the government's Drinking Water Assistance Programme which provides funding of $150 million over 10 years to improve the quality of drinking water in small communities.

Nanaia Mahuta said the money will benefit Ratana, allowing people in the community to access consistently clean, safe drinking water.

"Safe and reliable drinking water is critical for the health of our community. Most New Zealanders are served by large urban drinking water supplies that comply with certain standards." Nanaia Mahuta said.

"This isn't always the case with smaller, more isolated communities and this is a good example of the Labour-led government's investment in such areas of New Zealand," said Nanaia Mahuta.

The money will be used to develop new water sources, improve treatment systems and replace ageing reticulation systems.

For more information about the programme visit www.moh.govt.nz/water

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