Removal and demolition works are now well under way on College Rd in Edgecumbe, following preparation over the Christmas break.
Last year during ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, a breach in the floodwall of the Rangitaiki River caused the destruction of 15 homes and extensive damage to a further 250.
Twelveproperties and part properties were bought by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to make way for the land needed for a permanent stopbank rebuild.
Shane Moore Services (SMS) Ltd have been contracted to complete the works and several other contractors have been on site for specialist activities such as asbestos removal.
Regional council project manager Peter Hay said the contractors had made good progress in the first few weeks of the year.
"The demolition and removal works are well under way and we are making good progress on works. Asbestos has been removed from all the houses and the first couple of houses have been completely stripped and relocated off-site.
"The contractors are also taking all possible care to clean, sort and recycle whatever materials they are able to – bricks, timber, metals and so on. It is important to us so that we know much of the material can be reused, but also reduces the amount sent to landfill," Hay said.
One of the next key milestones will be appointing a contractor for the stopbank re-build works. The contract was issued in early January and tenders close in the first week of February. The slight delay in issuing the design was to accommodate recommendations made in the Rangitiaki River Scheme Review (the Cullen Report).
"Many members of the Edgecumbe community are keeping up to date and engaged with us through the rebuild process and I appreciate their ongoing support and input. I have had a number of comments that people are really glad to finally see movement on the site and it has felt like a lengthy process for many people. I think it is a significant step for the whole community," Hay said.
Locals and people who use College Rd as a through-route are reminded that machinery and trucks are operating around the site and they should keep clear of the fenced off areas.
