Wairoa to fund footpath repairs

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The Wairoa District Council is putting its best foot forward with a programme for new footpaths and repairs expected to start this month.

A total of $310,000 has been allocated for new footpaths in the district, on top of the $100,000 budgeted for footpath repairs in the Wairoa township.

Wairoa District Council chief executive Steven May said the Covid-19 lockdown and weather events had caused the footpath repair programme to be temporarily paused.

“Spring weather means we are now able to re-start the programme which will enable contractors to address a programme of repair work.

“There has been some work carried out at Frasertown, and in the Wairoa township, and we are looking forward to being able to roll the programme out in full.

“Council staff look after 43,338 metres of footpaths in our district, so it is a big job.

“A full inspection of all footpaths in the Wairoa district has been carried out and all identified issues were added to the priority matrix.

“The matrix is based on proximity to schools, shops etc, the condition and safe use of the footpath, and pedestrian volumes.

“We encourage anyone who has identified a safety issue or hazard relating to footpaths to please let the Council know by using our Customer Services Reporting system.”