Seddon dam risk drains away

Photo / Tim Cuff

Seddon residents concerned about the rising water level of their local creek are being reassured they are safe.

Precautionary drainage of the Haldon Dam, which was found to be at increased risk of breaching after Friday's earthquake, had resulted in higher-than-normal water levels in Starborough Creek, which runs through Seddon.

Marlborough District Council Assets and Services manager Mark Wheeler said the water level of the creek was not high enough to create any safety issues. All road crossings in the area would remain open.

The water level of Starborough Creek had risen since drainage channels were opened for the privately owned Haldon Dam, he said.

Drainage of the dam was likely to be completed by tomorrow morning, Mr Wheeler said.

The chance of flooding was reducing hour by hour, however evacuation plans for at-risk residents would remain in place until the water level had been lowered to a satisfactory level, he said.

Meanwhile, the dismantling of a compromised lift shaft in central Wellington was completed today.

The shaft was damaged in the July quake, and then further compromised in Friday's jolt.

A spokesman from Wellington City Council said residents who were forced to leave their homes due to safety issues with the lift shaft should be able to return tomorrow and over the weekend.

A large crane, which had been shipped up from Christchurch for the job, would need to be dismantled before everyone could return.

This was expected to take until Monday, the spokesman said.

Repairs to the Hobson Street sinkhole were also expected to be completed by early next week, he said.