‘Great strides’ in work to repair Gisborne city riverbanks post-Gabrielle

A lot of work has been been done and continues on repairs to the riverbanks along the Waimatā and Turanganui rivers. Contractors have made good progress on repairing the slumping between the Gladstone Rd and railway bridges.

Good progress has been made on riverbank repairs and maintenance along the Waimatā and Turanganui rivers in Gisborne city.

“Our contractors have made great strides with the work,” the council said in a social media post.

Riverbank retaining wall repairs continue along the Turanganui between the Gladstone Rd Bridge and the railway bridge.

“After Cyclone Gabrielle, the wall shifted following woody debris removal, causing major slumping in the reserve area.

“Contractors have been repositioning the wall and installing a cutting-edge stormwater management system to keep everything in check,” the post said.

“That work should be finished in 3-4 weeks, weather permitting.

“Across from the Cenotaph on the Waimatā River, we have addressed slumping and backwash issues caused by the cyclone,” the post said.

“This month we will complete the work with a brand-new retaining wall design and an efficient stormwater solution.”

Work on repairing the bank at Anzac Park has been completed.

The section of cyclone-damaged riverbank by Anzac Park on the Waimatā River has been completed, awaiting a final touch of topsoil and grass.

“Repairs to the retaining wall beside Waimatā River at Anzac Park are finished,” the council said.

“Thanks to insurance funding, the new wall is designed higher to withstand climate change effects. The final touch of topsoil and grass will be added as weather permits.”