Fix-ups being completed following storm damage

Council staff and contractors have been busy doing fix-ups on the district’s drainage systems, beach access ways and roads, following the high winds and high tides experienced on the coast last week.

Installation of the temporary concrete structure along 170 metres of Paraparaumu Beach has been completed.

The structure, which is made from 266 stacked reinforced concrete blocks weighing about two tonne each, will protect the sewer line behind it if more wild weather hits Kāpiti.

Three thousand cubic metres of sand has also been placed behind the rows of concrete, to make them level with the land in front of properties in the area.

Group Manager Infrastructure Services Sean Mallon says the work progressed well over the week, especially considering the on-going inclement weather, but there is still more to be done.

“We have a number of options to consider over the next few weeks for a more permanent solution for this stretch of beach and will be consulting with residents and Greater Wellington Regional Council to find the best long-term approach.”

Work has also included clearing of trees, branches and debris in parks, reserves and open waterways, fixing erosion under the road at The Parade in Paekākāriki and placing more two-tonne concrete blocks at the Arawa Walkway beach access point.

“Our staff and contractors crews have been working hard in case further wild weather was to hit, and we do want to thank them their speedy response and also residents for their patience,” Mr Mallon says.

“We still have a bit more to do repairing part of the Marine Gardens wooden seawall, which will be starting soon, and for other areas we know are often impacted by stormy seas and wild weather we are considering more permanent solutions as part of a work programme for the district.”