Stormwater projects proved their worth

November 6th, 2009
By David Armstrong

Stormwater projects in Motueka over the past 15 years have largely proved their worth, as demonstrated by the way they coped with one of the heaviest rainfall events for many years on October 17.

A report to yesterday's meeting of the Motueka Community Board said that almost 100mm of rain fell that Saturday, much of it between 5 pm and 9 pm, which coincided with a 4.1 metre high tide, but soon after midnight the floodwaters had receded.

However, parts of some streets suffered flooding, including the Aerodrome corner, Pethybridge Street, Ledger Avenue, and the Lowe Street/High Street intersection. Furthermore, earlier spring rains meant the groundwater table was quite high at the time.

"The stormwater projects over the past 15 years, although costly, have largely proved their worth," said David Ogilvy, chairman of the Board.

Nevertheless, maintenance work on the open drains (Thorp Drain, Lummis Drain and Queen Victoria Street) is required, and in Poole Street and High Street drainage needs improvement. The floodgate electronics also need re-conditioning.

Keeping drains clear of leaves and litter is a continuous task residents as well as Council contractors.

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