Tairawhiti Roading Clean-up Continues

Tairawhiti Roads is making solid progress on their recovery operation to clear debris laden roads and bridges.

Contractors are working around the clock, although the job is made tougher with ongoing rain in already waterlogged areas.

Tairawhiti Roads journey manager Helen Harris said crews using diggers and other heavy machinery were making significant progress but a number of roads remain closed and could be for some time.

“A friendly reminder again, that roads are closed for the safety of everyone. We are facilitating access for residents but all others must stay off these roads.”

Ms Harris acknowledged the contractors who were working hard to get the roads cleared and reopened.

“I’m immensely proud of where we are at with progress in hard, wet, cold and difficult conditions. It’s manual labour, as not all spots can be accessed by heavy machinery.”

Structural engineers came in from Wanganui yesterday to help with bridge and culvert assessments. In some cases the underside of the bridges cannot be assessed because there is no access underneath.

For the latest information on closures and areas where caution is advised, visit our website http://www.gdc.govt.nz/road-information/

The Waipaoa River peaked following rainfall overnight but is now decreasing and Council’s flood warning teams are continuing to monitor river levels around the district.

Tairawhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management manager Louise Bennett said they were able to deliver bread and milk to isolated residents in Arakihi, Kiore and Rangikohua Roads yesterday.

Members of the Uawa community were also calling into check on some of those affected this morning.

“We have people that we can call upon like Salvation Army, Red Cross and Gisborne Wainui Lions Club as well as Government Agencies,” Mrs Bennett said.

Anyone affected by the flood event with welfare issues over the weekend should contact Council so CDEM can be advised.

ENDS

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