Road to recovery - 27 August update
All eyes were to the skies today as Marlborough's roading recovery efforts paused while a band of heavy rain passed through the region.
Critical roading repairs required as a result of the July storm in Marlborough have come to a halt in the Awatere Valley and Kenepuru Sound due to today's heavy rain warning. Crews have been working since last week during Covid Level 4 alert, under an exemption from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
However, with a Metservice heavy rain warning issued for parts of the Sounds and Rai Valley, residents in already vulnerable and isolated rural areas have been encouraged to be well prepared and drivers urged to take caution on the region's roads.
Marlborough Recovery manager Dean Heiford said roading recovery teams were not operating in the Marlborough Sounds today, including on Queen Charlotte Drive or the Kenepuru Road. The reinstatement of the Queen Charlotte Drive checkpoint will be weather dependent and dependent on any unexpected slips or debris that may need clearing, he said.
He continued to encourage people to drive to the conditions. Access is liable to change at any time with adverse weather conditions, so we encourage people to take all precautions and avoid any road travel for now if possible, said Mr Heiford.
Roading crews are already responding to new slips in the Marlborough Sounds and expect further challenges to the already fragile roading network due to the rain.
Awatere Valley
Awatere Valley residents above the section of road washed out in the July storm gathered last night by zoom for an update on progress from Marlborough Roads.
Nineteen participants were part of the electronic (zoom) meeting including councillors, key Council staff, Ministry for Primary Industry and Rural Support Trust representatives, and members of the Marlborough Roads Recovery Team.
It was good to get so many people in the room' and have those direct conversations to fully understand everyone's circumstances. We now have our fingers and toes are crossed on the rain not causing any more issues, said dual Marlborough Recovery Manager, Marianne Aitken.
Contractors have been working at both ends of Awatere Valley Road - from McRae Stream to Molesworth - with the ultimate goal of meeting in the middle.
Support
Financial support for the rural community is also now available.
The Council's Mayoral Relief Fund has an additional category available to primary industry businesses impacted by the July 2021 storm event, following the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) recent contribution of $35,000. The amount of the grant will be up to $1,000 however the special committee formed by Mayor John Leggett to consider applications has some discretion to the amount depending on the benefit to a number of businesses.
Consideration will be given to:
- essentials for business operation (directly impacted by the storm event)
- costs not covered by insurance or other funds such as MSD or IRD support
- funding will be prioritised for activities that benefit multiple businesses
Applications can now be made online.
Go to primary industry business mayoral fund online application
Affected property owners are also encouraged to access information and support from MPI including feed services.
Go to MPI's website with information
Anyone with welfare needs associated with the July storm should contact the Council by emailing: recovery@marlborough.govt.nz
For the status of a road, please visit the Marlborough Emergency Management Official Public Information Map before your journey, and stay up to date on the latest roading alerts:
Go to Public Information Map with roading information
Go to roading alerts on our web page
For roading information and queries please contact Marlborough Roads on 03 520 8024 or 0800 213 213 between 8.00 am - 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively you can email the recovery team on: recovery@marlboroughroads.com
For more information about essential activities under Alert Level 4, please visit the government's website with the latest Covid-19 information.