3 July 2014
The unisex toilet at the Te Awamutu cemetery has been destroyed by a fire which looks to have been deliberately lit.
The burned-out disabled access toilet was discovered by council staff this morning.
Community facilities contracts officer Rob Sinclair said the timber structure has been burned from the inside out. All wall linings and fittings will need to be replaced along with the toilet and sink.
The damage has been reported toTe Awamutu police who are investigating.
Mr Sinclair said he was gutted and believed it was arson.
There's no power source going to that building - just water and waste water. I don't think a toilet is going to self-combust so there's not too many other options.
Council is now seeking quotes to rebuild the facility and estimates it could cost between $8,000 - $10,000. The toilet is unlikely to be replaced for the three to four weeks at least.
The toilet block was originally built by high school students as part of a school project.
Ends
Media enquiries only call Jeanette Tyrrell (on behalf of council) 027 5077 599
