Stopbank breach repairs underway

Emergency repairs to a stopbank breach on Burkes Drain in the Taonui Basin are underway by Horizons Regional Council catchment operations staff.

Horizons incident controller Craig Grant says the water that flowed onto paddocks next to the breach has drained away, enabling repairs to get underway. 
 
“Today we’re sorting the foundation for the repairs and fill will go in over the next two days,” says Mr Grant.
 
“As the fill part of the repair requires heavy machinery, Manawatū District Council will be closing Lockwood Road between Hoihere and Karere Roads to all traffic bar residents on Friday and Saturday.
 
“It’s fortunate that the water has drained out quickly as it’s enabled us to get the repairs underway as soon as possible, as well as reducing the risk of significant pasture damage. There is still some ponding in the area however this is slowly draining away too.”
 
Mr Grant says the light rain forecasted at times over the next few days shouldn’t cause any major concerns.
 
“We expect the flow in Burkes Drain to remain manageable until the repair is in place and will be monitoring the area.
 
“I’d like to acknowledge our staff that have worked long hours either onsite or remotely to offer reassurance to landowners in the area that we have done everything we can to manage the breach.
 
“Inspections of our other flood assets continues following the rain event we had earlier in the week. Once again I’d like to remind members of the public to get in touch via our freephone 0508 800 800 number if they notice any issues with stopbanks in their area.”