Repairs well underway as weekend rainfall predicted

Good progress is being made to repair key flood protection infrastructure and ensure the Region is prepared for further rainfall.

Horizons regional recovery manager Ged Shirley says a rain-bearing front is expected to pass across northern parts of the Horizons Region on Friday.

“While we think any rainfall should pass through the Region fairly quickly, bringing between 25 and 40mm of rainfall on Friday afternoon and evening, it is possible that this front will hang around untilSaturday which could result in 50-80mm of rain. We’ll be working closely with Metservice to gain a better idea of predicted rainfall as the week progresses,” Mr Shirley says.

“At this stage we’re not expecting the rain to have any adverse effect on river systems. It is likely to cause more of an issue for roading infrastructure and repairs.”

Repairs to key areas of the flood protection network across the Region are progressing as planned. Wanganui’s Kowhai Park stopbanks will receive temporary repairs until ground conditions allow more permanent repairs, and the Oroua stopbank, which is now up to ground level, will have height added by the weekend.

“These repairs mean that if rainfall is towards the heavier end of current predictions, the flood protection network will be well equipped.”

Horizons Regional Council is currently coordinating The Ministry of Social Development’s Enhanced Taskforce Green work programme on behalf of the Region, with work scheduled to start on Friday.

Districts councils will work with local businesses and residents to relay the most urgent needs and Horizons will allocate the districts teams for the district councils to coordinate. At this stage, support will be available for a 10 week period to assist with the clean-up, in four teams of six with three available to Wanganui, one to Rangitikei, with one crew from Wanganui available to earmarked for possible deployment to South Taranaki.

The Minister for Social Development signed off a further $250,000 towards Enhanced Task Force Green on Tuesday, which adds to the $250,000 announced last week.

Taskforce Green crews will assist with clean-up activities such as fence clearance and repair and tree and debris removal on farms, marae, orchards, parks and reserves.

Anyone interested in obtaining assistance from Taskforce Green workers is advised to contact their local council coordinator, who can then prioritise the tasks in accordance with district needs. These coordinators are:

Wanganui – Neil Hooker, 027 343 7504
Rangitikei – Johan Cullis 027 450 0296
South Taranaki – Phil Waite, 027 295 1983

A State of Emergency is expected to remain in place until Saturday or until further information is made available regarding the weekend’s weather.

The welfare centre at Wanganui Girls’ College ceased operation at 5.00pm Tuesday, 30 June. However, a welfare hub has been established at the Work and Income building on the ground floor of Terrace House, 133 Wicksteed Street.

Agencies available at the Welfare Hub are: the Ministry of Social Development, Housing New Zealand, Te Puni Kokiri, Inland Revenue and Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority.

Drivers throughout the Region are being asked to take caution over the weekend on rural roads, with the potential for slips and debris if heavy rainfall does occur.

ENDS

© Scoop Media