KIMMIRUT/LAKE HARBOUR - The hamlet of Kimmirut will be getting a new sewage lagoon thanks to a federal and territorial funds, Nunavut's MP told residents on Sept. 16.

About 50 to 70 people gathered at the Akavak Community Hall to hear Leona Aglukkaq deliver the announcement. While not stated in the press release, the budget for the project is estimated to be approximately $4.8 million.

The current lagoon is in a state of "disrepair" according to the Government of Nunavut's director of community infrastructure.

"The existing sewage lagoon does not meet for compliance with the community water licence," said Roy Green.

Green said there is actually not a sewage lagoon in the community as waste water is being drained into a ditch and then going out into the ocean.

"It could be much better," said Saqiqtaq Temela, acting senior administrative officer with the hamlet.

According to the Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act, all water samples have to be done in compliance with the terms and conditions for waste water treatment with the Nunavut Water Board.

Those at the hamlet in Kimmirut said they are happy with the news.

"It is always encouraging when there is a project being announced and I was pleased to hear it was a lump sum allocated to the community," said Temela.

The federal government will pay for 75 per cent of the cost and the GN will foot the rest of the bill. This arrangement is similar to another infrastructure announcement Aglukkaq made in Iqaluit on Sept. 15, giving four communities more than $18 million for various projects.

Temela said it is nice to see all levels of government working together.

The funding coming from Ottawa is part of the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund under the Building Canada Plan.

As for the current sewage lagoon, Green said temporary measures have been taken to prevent sewage from leaking into the ocean.

"(The contractors) will see if they can put up a ditch to channel (sewage) out to the wetlands," he said.

This summer an access road was being built and Green said materials were being crushed for the berm walls.

Once the water licence is renewed, construction of the new lagoon will begin.

The final design has yet to be completed, so the size of the new lagoon is unknown.

The construction of the new lagoon is expected to be completed by September 2012.

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