Flood report critical

An independent report commissioned by farmers whose land was swamped in February's floods has criticised engineers from the Manawatu-Wanganui regional council, Horizons.

Vegetable grower Ian Easton and three other farmers commissioned the report after the Whirokino Trestle Bridge stopbank near Foxton failed, causing 2000ha of farmland to be flooded.

The report found the bridge was not considered when the Moutoa floodway capacity was assessed in the 1990s.

In the report, engineer Gary Williams also questioned why structures - a mound of dirt and a cycleway ramp - were permitted under the bridge because they reduced water flow.

Horizons chairman Chris Lester said a report of the floodway assessment - the Sutherland report - had been thorough and was reviewed by independent engineers.

The independent report also criticised the council for its allegedly slow response to the stopbank's collapse, but Mr Lester said every available person was on the job.

Horizon's own commissioned report into its handling of the flood is due this month.