Residents in the eastern part of Christchurch are grappling with the persistent odour emanating from the fire-damaged wastewater treatment plant in Bromley, with little relief in sight.
According to RNZ's report, the city council's efforts to repair the plant are currently hampered by delays in securing an insurance payout. Damage sustained in November 2021, which rendered two filters inoperable, has resulted in the release of an unpleasant smell throughout the city.
Numerous residents have reported health issues such as nausea, headaches, aggravated asthma, and deteriorating mental wellbeing as a result of the foul odour. Despite the implementation of temporary measures, the stench lingers, exacerbating the discomfort experienced by locals.
During a recent public meeting, Mayor Phil Mauger disclosed that the council's progress is impeded by the ongoing delay in receiving the insurance settlement.
“One of the things we're doing – which is causing us a bit of grief – is we're waiting for our insurance payout and that might be one month, two months, three months, so that's getting worked on at the moment,” he said.
Expressing frustration with the situation, Bromley resident Vickie Walker emphasised the urgency of resolving the insurance matters to prevent future occurrences.
“As we've been told for quite a while, they're still waiting for the settlement of the insurance, so they can go ahead with what they plan, but I'd like to see it happening now so that we know that it's not going to be a problem again,” she said,
City Councillor Sam MacDonald reassured residents that the council is actively working to expedite the insurance settlement process.
“As soon as we can do that we will go public with it, so everyone in the community has confidence that we can deliver what is needed for that community and for the wider Christchurch,” he said.
