29 August, 2019

Frustration over Castor Bay toilet delay

Residents are frustrated after delays on the Castor Bay beach toilet block roof has meant port-a-loos ‘filled with excrement’ near their properties for almost six months.

Mark Sutherland contacted the Rangitoto Observer last week after several attempts to get answers from the council were inconclusive.

“The fact of the matter is it provided a necessity. It had two showers and perfectly good toilets. It just needed a new roof,” says Sutherland.

“Why has it taken so long? Everyone I have spoken to has complained to council but got nowhere. My main concern is how much is this costing?”

Auckland Council say the project will cost $355,449 and has been delayed.

“The Rahopara Pa/Castor Bay public toilets renewal project is on hold due to issues with fitting the new roof onto the existing timber roof frame and brick masonry walls. We have been working hard to find alternative design solutions and our engineer is currently reviewing the construction methodology for our latest option. We aim to restart works this month,” says John Schermbrucker, council’s head of project delivery.

Signage saying the project will be completed by May has attracted a graffiti artist questioning ‘what year?’

Other residents Christina Eaglen and Fred Janssen have voiced concerns for the cleanliness of the port-a-loos provided.

“I have only attempted to use the port-a-loos once, and it was so full with urine and excrement that I didn’t use it. Well now I say, enough is enough,” says Janssen.

Eaglen brings her 5-year-old grand-daughter to the beach who also won’t use the toilet due to the lack of cleanliness.

This article originally appeared in the August 30 edition of the Rangitoto Observer. Download PDF.