The owners of a Victoria Ave rental home flooded regularly by stormwater have been offered a lifeline by the Tararua District Council.
An urgent meeting was held with the affected residents of homes, after the council received 17 service callouts in the last five years relating to flooding at properties at 38, 40 and 42 Victoria Ave.
The owners of the 38 Victoria Ave rental property, Derek Bentley and Lisa Willoughby, have spent more than $2000 pumping water during storms.
But it's not only the property owners who have had to stump up for expensive pumping.
Historically, the district council has spent significant amounts each year reimbursing Infracon for pumping costs in Victoria Ave and Ormond and Ross streets in Woodville, and Tiraumea Rd in Pahiatua.
"However, since 2015, council hasn't provided pumping as there has been no public benefit related to the costs," council chief executive Blair King told councillors in his monthly report.
Instead, residents have been paying all their own pumping costs.
On April 20, at a meeting between Dannevirke property owners, district mayor Tracey Collis and Mr King, it was reiterated that the pipe under Victoria Ave had never been a council asset, but it was agreed a new pipe was the preferred solution.
Mr Bentley and his neighbour at 40 Victoria Ave have agreed to contribute $3000 each towards the project cost of up to $15,000.
Councillors have agreed with this solution and the work is to be carried out by the Tararua Alliance as soon as possible.
"Another winter of pumping will cost the residents between $3000 and $4000, for no long-term benefit," Mr King said.
Mrs Collis said she was happy with the outcome.
"This will correct the problem. Sometimes council is able to offer a long-term solution, as in this case."
Councillor Shirley Hull has been working with residents in Tiraumea Rd in Pahiatua to find a similar solution.
"Unfortunately, three of the four residents have declined to contribute $2000," she said.
"This is because of a lack of income."