That period of time would allow council and Veolia Water to investigate other alternatives. It would be good to have the two close together to enable a strong partnership, with walking distance between offices to discuss projects. Proximity would lead to efficiency and cost savings for the city, Mr Hughes said.
Veolia Water will provide its own equipment for the work - such as water blasters, CCTV, excavators, pumps and vehicles, and use subcontractors for certain tasks.
A typical day might involve clearing blockages, fixing burst pipes and other maintenance for Wanganui's water network.
The French company has a three-year, $3.9 million contract with Wanganui District Council. Infrastructure and property committee chairman councillor Ray Stevens said the Veolia Water tender price saved district ratepayers $1.5 million over the three years.
Asked how Veolia Water could provide the service so cheaply, Mr Cathcart said it had access to global innovations, the latest technology and global purchasing power.
Also, Veolia Water was a specialist company. "Water is all we do," he said.
The company is also providing water and wastewater treatment services to Ruapehu District Council, in a separate contract serviced by 10 staff members.
Veolia Water started under a different name in France in 1852 and now has nearly 100,000 staff working in 69 countries and supplying drinking water to 103 million people and wastewater services to 73 million.
It came to New Zealand in 1997 and is working in eight regions. Wanganui will be the ninth.
