Monday 22 June 2015

District recovers after weekend flooding events

Horowhenua District Council staff have started the week investigating roads, water and wastewater infrastructure following the recent flooding events.

Council staff and contractors, together with emergency services and volunteers worked throughout the weekend dealing with flooding-related issues following significant rain since Friday.

Surface flooding and landslips forced about 12 roads throughout the district to be closed temporarily. As flooding receded and slips were cleared the roads were able to be re-opened to either one or two lanes.

Roads still closed at this stage include Kara Road and Old Foxton Road in Shannon. Council contractors are working to get these reopened as soon as possible.

More than 2000 sandbags were distributed throughout the District to help keep water off roads and properties. Contractors and emergency services also used pumps to help clear water from flooded properties.

Eight households were evacuated on Saturday, most from Foxton, with these residents accommodated at local motels. All but three households have been able to return to their homes. Council Officers are continuing to provide welfare support to these residents.

Council had its service centre at Foxton Library open on Saturday afternoon and evening, with staff on hand to assist local residents. Only one couple, who had self-evacuated, arrived at the service centre and a Council staff-member drove them to a local motel.

The Boil Water Notice for the Levin Water Supply, issued on Saturday morning, was lifted at 11am on Monday. The Notice was issued due to increased turbidity in the water source.

In addition, to help the treatment plant and its filtration system cope with the extra demand placed on it from the deluge of water, residents and businesses were also asked to reduce water use as much as possible.

Council's Customer and Community Services Group Manager Monique Davidson commends everyone who worked or helped out over the weekend.

"We were literally under the pump for a couple of days and dealing with some trying conditions," she said.

"It was a challenge but well done to everyone who helped us get through - all the contractors, emergency services and volunteer fire brigade members, the Salvation Army, local accommodation providers and other support agencies, members of the public pitching in, as well as Council staff."

Mrs Davidson says in addition to Council's contractors Fulton Hogan and Downer, others that provided valuable assistance included Higgins, Tatana Contracting, BCC Conracting and Graeme Bagrie Contracts.

Council is now focussing on recovery from the event and have a services team in place, visiting and inspecting houses in the district that were most affected.

Anyone with questions or seeking advice regarding the flooding event, can contact Council's customer services team on 06 366 0999 or enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz

ENDS

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