In a statement today, Tauranga City Council said it had beenworking with homeowners and closely monitoring the site with a team of geotechnical professionals and surveyors, and had received advice that it was now safe to progress with the removal of debris from the roadway.
Persistent bad weather and land instability of the slip area meant it had not been possible to safely carry out this work until now, the council said.
Over the coming weeks, residents will see several contractors in the area as they carry out the clean-up works.
Image 1 of 16: Landslide at Maungatapu, Tauranga 29 January 2023 after heavy rains across the north island caused landslips, washout and widespread destruction
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credit: Cameron Avery
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Site set-up is under way and works will continue through March, weather dependent, the statement said.
Some heavy vehicles and machinery will be on-site during this time.Security contractors will remain in place 24/7 for the safety and protection of the properties that are currently uninhabitable.
This may shift to an after-hours watch only once the area becomes a working site.
The council said it understood the delay in restoring road access had been frustrating for landowners and residents in the area and thanked those residents in Egret Ave and the surrounding streets that had been very accommodating during this time.
