Latest News Contractors Shortlisted to Build the Riversdale Beach Community Sewerage Scheme A shortlist of five is in the running for the tender to build the Riversdale Beach Community Sewerage Scheme. Chosen for their technical expertise and robust tenders, the contractors were among 18 who tendered for the shortlist. Masterton District Council CEO Wes ten Hove said the cost of the project, coupled with the degree of community interest in it, made it vital for independent evaluation of the proposals. “We showed all due care in this matter by including on the evaluation panel two representatives from consultancies with experience in the area of wastewater treatment and disposal along with our own Special Projects Manager Ian Steer. “We also engaged Audit New Zealand to provide input into the documentation before it was issued to contractors and to observe the evaluation process itself. We are pleased, but not surprised that the report from Audit New Zealand shows that due process was followed and that the evaluation was fair and equitable to all applicants,” Mr ten Hove said. The following contractors have until the end of January 2010 to complete the next stage of their tenders:      - Downer EDI Water      - HEB Contractors Ltd      - Fulton Hogan Ltd      - Hopper Construction Ltd      - Oldfield's Ltd Mr ten Hove said alternatives to Council’s preferred option of a pond-based scheme with irrigation to land would also be considered ‘because the council is open to ideas that will provide benefit to the community’. The successful contractor will be named after a Special Council Meeting in early February 2010. “Riversdale ratepayers can be very happy with the standard of contractors shortlisted. All have experience in the construction of sewerage schemes and all are well respected companies”. For background information on the process to build the scheme go to www.mstn.govt.nz/projects/riversdale. 12 November 2009