Response to Flood questions 29 May 23

Kia ora,

I've been speaking to a couple in Marton whose property was flooded during the flooding event at the weekend. They have been critical of the actions of both councils. The main flooding issue is probably for Horizons, but they had complaints that would cover both councils I believe, so I thought I'd send this to both of you to be able to respond.

I'll be writing something tomorrow so would I be able to get a response then please?

These people live on Marumaru St in Marton, backing onto Sir James Wilson Memorial Park. Their property was flooded on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

The main thing is they say the reason the area around Marumaru St was because the creek which runs through the park had work done on it in the past couple of months. They say the western bank of the creek by Marumaru St was dug up and the bank and the bed of the creek were raised up, which has increased the flow and the creek can't handle the volume of water now.

Other people on the street I spoke to also said the same thing.

One of their other issues is the water comes off James Wilson Park and onto their property because there isn't adequate drainage at the park.

There is also a manhole outside their section which has had a problem and doesn't drain properly, it instead sucks dirt from their property.

The last one was the bridge on Marumaru St near Waitere St, which they say is unstable and unsafe.

They say the councils are collecting their rates but not doing anything to solve these problems.

Would you be able to tell me if this work was done on the creek, when it was done and why? Is it believed to be causing flooding and what is going to be done to fix it if so?

As for the other issues, would you be able to tell me if they are seen as a problem and what is being done to fix it?

Thanks

George

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George Heagney

Reporter-STUFF Media

Would you be able to tell me if this work was done on the creek, when it was done and why? Is it believed to be causing flooding and what is going to be done to fix it if so?

A contractor recently carried out some work on the stream on behalf of Horizons (you will need to contact Horizons to confirm the nature of the work). While they were there, we requested them to fill in a small hole on the stream bank adjacent to the bridge. The work which was done on the stream has not to our knowledge contributed to the stream flooding.

As for the other issues, would you be able to tell me if they are seen as a problem and what is being done to fix it?

There is a manhole located outside of this resident’s property which has had issues with drainage, we are aware of this and will continue working to have this problem resolved.

The sump at this location is not in good condition, its classified as a high priority in our system. In this instance we don’t believe that the sumps condition contributed to the flooding issue, however this sump will be replaced as soon as we are able.

The bridge on Marumaru St near Waitere St, which they say is unstable and unsafe.

The bridge was fully checked by our structural engineers, the structure itself was not damaged by the recent flooding and is stable and safe. The berm scour damage was reinstated shortly after the flood.