13 March 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Rubbish pick up issues - Mr Paul Jacobsen
Inquiry
Has arranged with RLC to have his rubbish picked up because he can't do it himself.
He went through all the hoops, medical cert etc, to get his rubbish picked up instead of him taking it 30-40m down his long driveway.
He says every week but one he has had to call the council to pick up the rubbish because no-one is doing it.
He now has maggots in his rubbish bin and it smells bad.
His rubbish was picked up today, only because he called when it wasn't.
He says the council staff taking his calls are great, but says there must be some sort of communication problem between council and contractors.
FYI; He sent his medical cert in December. Had to follow that up in January when no-one responded. Two council officers visited his house and set up the new solution mid January. Since then only once has his rubbish/recycling been picked up without him calling.
Could we please get answers to these questions by 4pm today? Please advise asap.
- Why does Mr Jabcobsen have to call almost every time he needs his rubbish picked up?
- Why is his rubbish not being picked up?
- For people in his situation (unable to move bins themselves) what can they do to get their rubbish collected? (What's the process they have to go through?)
- How many people have arranged a similar service?
Response
Response from Transport and Waste Solutions Director Stavros Michael -
Repeated non-collections shouldn't be happening if someone has made arrangements and there is no apparent reason for the non-collection. We will follow up on this with our teams and make contact with Mr Jacobsen.
For your information here is the LINK to the assisted collection service info on our website.
Here is the further response from Stavros Michael -
We have contacted Mr Jacobsen to apologise and have let him know that we will follow up with him again on his collection day next week as we want to ensure this doesn't happen again.
Currently there are 100 residents on the assisted collection service in Rotorua.
To apply, residents must fill out an application form and supply a medical certificate stating that they are not able to use the standard waste collection service. Staff from council and Smart Environmental then arrange to meet with the resident at their property to assess whether an assisted collection service is feasible. Council staff take into consideration factors such as property access and health and safety of collection truck
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Wastewater Treatment Plant overflow updates
Inquiry
is there any late update on the situation at the WWTP and the swimming ban at Sulphur point?
is the situation under control? have the warnings been lifted?
Response
Rotorua Daily Post were referred to the latest news update on our website. View update here
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Weather update - Utuhina stream levels and Paradise Valley Road damage
Inquiry
- Are residents/properties beside the Utuhina stream still in danger from the stream?
I have also gone to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council with the following questions:
- Several residents have had their driveway/culvert washed away by the rain (400 Paradise Valley Rd) - who will be responsible for fixing the driveway/paying for the damage?
- A group of Paradise Valley residents have been meeting with the Rotorua Lakes Council and the Bay of Plenty regional council (prior to Christmas) to discuss their water catchment/water run off concerns and have been critical of the councils' handling. What is the council's response to this?
Key issues they told us:
- The councils were well aware of the problems/issues i.e culverts washed away before but no action had been taken
- They told the councils what would happen (with bad weather) and following the weekend these things have happened
Response
From Transport and Waste Solution Director Stavros Michael
I can confirm we've met with some of these residents and provided interim advice. We're happy to meet with them again if they wish but we won't be trying to resolve this through the media. This is a private property issue that each resident needs to consider individually.
