Completed stormwater and flooding improvements futureproof West Kaiapoi
Waimakariri District Council media release: 26th October 2022
Work has now finished on a new pumping station on Otaki Street, signalling the completion of a major portion of the Stormwater and Flooding Improvements 'Shovel Ready' project in Kaiapoi.
The Council was successful in securing ‘Shovel Ready’ funding from the Government in 2020 to upgrade and increase the stormwater network across Kaiapoi and reduce the likelihood of flooding in big storm events.
General Manager - Utilities and Roading, Gerard Cleary says the Otaki Street pumping station is the first to become operational from the programme of works constructing pumping stations and other infrastructure across multiple locations in the township.
“After a massive effort from our contractors to deliver these works, I am delighted our Kaiapoi residents will now be able sleep better when they hear the sound of rain on their rooftops.”
Over the past nine months there has been a large amount of disruption to the neighbourhood, where multiple contractors have been working at the same time to deliver the works as quickly as possible.
Mr Cleary said that residents will be pleased to see the back of the diggers, but relieved to know that they are much better protected from major floods.
“We’d like to extend our appreciation to the residents for putting up with the disruption during construction as well as our own team for the successful delivery of the project.”
Kaiapoi has experienced significant rain events over the years and even more so in recent times. This major stormwater upgrade on Otaki Street and adjoining streets - between Ohoka Road and Kaiapoi River - will provide an integrated, future proofed stormwater system that recognises the changed ground levels post-earthquake, integrates with the existing network, and allows for predicted changes to sea level, groundwater level and rainfall due to climate change.
The work will improve the capacity of three key drainage systems that connect to the west of Kaiapoi: Parnhams Drain, Dudley Drain and Sunday School Drain.
The Kaiapoi Stormwater and Flooding Improvements programme is one of 150 programmes of work that have received Government stimulus funding.
This project has been jointly funded by Council and Central Government through its Shovel Ready Project fund.