Halcombe wastewater centralisation takes next step
Work to connect Halcombe to Manawatū District’s centralised wastewater network is moving forward, with two contracts awarded for the next stage of the project.
The contracts cover construction of the remaining section of the wastewater pipeline between Halcombe and Mount Stewart, and design of the pump stations needed to move wastewater from Halcombe through to the Manawatū Wastewater Treatment Plant (MWWTP) in Feilding.
With Sanson and RNZAF Base Ohakea already connected and Rongotea nearing completion, Halcombe is the next community in Council’s ongoing wastewater centralisation programme, which progressively moves wastewater treatment from smaller community-based systems to the centralised treatment facility in Feilding.
Manawatu Water’s General Manager Hamish Waugh said progressing the pipeline and pump station design together was an important step for the wider programme.
“Centralisation is a long-term programme of work, and with every stage we’re able to take what we’ve learned and apply it to the next community.
“Each location has its own requirements, but the experience we’ve gained through Sanson and Rongotea gives us a strong foundation. The aim is to use those lessons to find the right solution for Halcombe and, where possible, continue improving how we deliver future stages of centralisation.”
Odlum Group Limited has been awarded the contract to construct the remaining section of pipeline following a competitive tender process which attracted 11 submissions. Council undertook a full assessment of Odlum Group’s pricing and proposed delivery approach before confirming the tender was complete and deliverable.
Construction will begin in October and is expected to be completed by April 2027.
Tarros Limited, part of the Max Tarr Group, has been awarded the contract to design the pump stations required for the Halcombe connection. Tarros has previously worked on the Sanson and Rongotea wastewater centralisation programme, allowing knowledge and lessons from those projects to be carried through into the Halcombe design.
The design process will determine the best configuration for Halcombe, including a main pump station and the number of intermediate pump stations that will be required. Hydraulic modelling, site investigations and other design work will determine the final locations and requirements.
Construction of the pump stations will be subject to a separate procurement and approval process once the design work has been completed.
Once the Halcombe connection is operational, wastewater will be treated a transferred to the Manawatū Wastewater Treatment Plant, allowing the existing local treatment arrangement to be decommissioned.
Council’s multi-year wastewater centralisation programme is an ongoing investment in high-quality, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable wastewater management across the Manawatū District.