Flood repair bill at $343k

The estimated cost of fixing Waimate District roads damaged in July’s two bouts of heavy rain is $343,000.

A report by council roading manager Rob Moffat, to be tabled at a council workshop today, said the council expected to receive 64% ($219,520) of the total cost from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency for the July 18-19 and July 26-28 events.

Moffat said most of the district’s roads, especially in the Hakataramea Valley and Lake Aviemore area, were affected by high rainfall on July 18-19.

‘‘The annual recurrence interval (ARI) rainfall for Lake Aviemore was 100 years, the most flooding we have experienced since the March 1986 flood.’’

Moffat said the district’s roads were again affected by high rainfall on July 26.

‘‘The run-off was increased due the saturated soil condition from the previous event.

‘‘Multiple road closures occurred due to significant surface flooding including the closure of State Highway 1 and 82 for an extended period.

‘‘The ARI rainfall for Waimate foothills was estimated to be over 20 years, the balance of the district had an ARI rainfall of five years.

‘‘Pareora River had greater than a five-year ARI flow, other major rivers had a mean annual flow up to a five-year ARI.’’

Moffat’s report showed the most expensive repair was $40,000 for Back Line Rd which included repairing a culvert, replacing gravel, and repairing scours.

Hakataramea Pass Rd’s estimated repairs were $33,500, Evans Crossing Rd $30,000 and Mt John Rd $29,000.

The four roads are part of the 79 around the district that require repairs.