Pontoon reinstallation under way

BACK IN PLACE: Workers are reinstalling the pontoon on the left side of the inner harbour ramp. There are no immediate plans to reinstate the right-side pontoon. Costs will be covered by the contractors under warranty while the district council continues to 'engage' with those who use the ramp. Picture supplied

Work started yesterday to reinstal the left-hand side pontoon and gantry at the inner harbour boat ramp.

Gisborne District Council liveable communities director Michele Frey said the cost would be covered by the contractor because the pontoon was under warranty.

The council would only pay for the crane required to instal it.

“The contractor is in town to reinstate the left-hand side pontoon. He will work around the weather conditions and may need to do the work on low tides.

“We'd like to thank everyone for their patience as we worked through the issues to reinstate the left-hand side pontoon.

“We appreciate this hasn't been a smooth process and we will continue to keep our community up to date.”

Installation of the gangway on the left side was planned for this morning.

While this was being done, the car parks by the ablution block were to close for a few hours.

The pontoon broke apart on both sides during heavy swells in May this year.

The right side was removed completely, and the left side has not been fully operational since.

There are no plans to reinstate the right-side pontoon.

“The right-hand side pontoon is still a medium-term goal rather than a short-term one,” Ms Frey said. “We do not have costings or developed designs at this stage.

“We want to engage with boaties who use the ramp and our contractor to ensure we're all on the same page before we proceed with the right-hand side.”