Delays fixing storm damage add to ratepayers’ frustration
A two-year streak of storms in the Tararua District has put a dent in public confidence that authorities can keep pace with needed repairs, says council chief executive Blair King.
Roads could be reopened quickly and temporary repairs carried out, but major, permanent repairs were more problematic, he said.
‘‘Whilst we may have all the roads open within two or three days, even when large hillsides have collapsed, the challenge is having the community on-side with why major repairs must wait for NZ Transport Agency approval.’’
The council started the financial year with a $5.3 million repair bill from last year’s storms, and the final cost of the additional damage done in the early September storm is still being tallied.
King said the string of storms dented ratepayers’ confidence in the council’s ability to keep up.
He said the council was getting a lot of service requests and complaints about permanent repairs from the last storm not being finished before another 250-plus slips and more than 100 drop-outs were caused by the September storm.
‘‘A common theme is they would like a quicker response to repairs, rather than just making [the roads] safe.’’
King said lengthy and complex assessments were sometimes needed to make sure permanent repairs were durable.
Detailed reports were also needed for the council’s application for emergency funding from the NZ Transport Agency, which would be submitted next week.
King was confident the full 86 per cent repair cost subsidy would be approved.
Some ratepayers were also irate about problems with Tararua’s water quality, as frequent heavy rains washed debris and contaminants into the water supply.
Pongaroa was one of the worst hit. Several boil-water notices, some lasting for a fortnight, were issued to the town in the first half of the year.
The latest notice has lasted three weeks so far, after traces of E coli bacteria were detected.
King said the water supply tested clear for the second day in a row on Thursday. That could mean the notice will be lifted as early as Monday.
Pongaroa Cafe and General Store owner Gary Fursdon said the water troubles were frustrating, but the town had learnt to adapt. He stocked up bottled water to use for the coffee machine and cooking.
A $600,000 treatment plant has recently been completed in Pongaroa. The system is not yet activated and valves are being installed to manage water pressure and to bypass rainwater tanks at houses.