A multimillion-dollar project to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant on Banks Street is one of the biggest infrastructure developments under way in Tairawhiti.

The $34.6 million project will benefit everyone, says Gisborne District Council lifelines director David Wilson.

“Part of this is ensuring as many locals as possible work on the project.”

The upgrade involves a huge new plant being built beside the region's existing wastewater treatment plant, which was built in 2010.

The development was the first step to ensure that domestic wastewater was treated to a high standard, Mr Wilson said.

Two enormous new filters — a clarification tower and ultraviolet treatment –—are being installed as part of the upgrade.

“These will make our domestic wastewater even cleaner before it's discharged.”

Mr Wilson said the multifaceted approach to treat the domestic wastewater incuded using age-old methods such as wetlands to work as a natural filter, alongside the latest technologies available.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of December.

“Following this, the new facilities will be tested from January to April 2023,” he said.

“After this upgrade, the next step for the city's wastewater includes wetlands so native plants can work as natural filters.”