Flooding at a Dannevirke rental property has the owners drowning in despair, not knowing where to turn.
Lisa Willoughby, of Masterton, purchased 38 Victoria Ave eight years ago, with Derek Bentley. They have spent $1500 pumping out floodwater and clearing a drain on the property.
"I've had enough and don't know what to do - the property floods every time it rains and a couple of weekends ago when there was a big downpour in Dannevirke, water had to be pumped out again, costing another $200," Ms Willoughby said. "We've rung the Tararua District Council who say it's a civil matter between the neighbours and us. Well, I don't think that's good enough when we're paying our rates and the water is coming from neighbouring properties."
Ms Willoughby said theywere at the end of their tether as the flooding continued. "We can't afford to do all this again," she said.
Council chief executive Blair King said he had had discussions with Mr Bentley.
"The property is below the road and I've advised the owners how best to deal with the stormwater which ponds at No38," he said.
"Council provides stormwater services with kerbing, channelling and pumping and we believe this problem isn't related to council's stormwater systems."
Mr King recommended the neighbours talk to each other about methods to put the water into the council's system.