No funding for problem culverts - yet

Culvert that keeps flooding on Airport Road.

Whanganui District Councillor Charlie Anderson says he is disappointed there is no immediate funding to replace two problem culverts in the city.

Council adopted its annual plan this month. Both the Airport Rd and Gerse St culverts were included in the plan but no funding has been allocated for their replacement.

The culverts have been a bone of contention for residents in both areas who blame the culverts for causing or contributing to flooding in those areas.

"The Airport road culvert is included in a review which will be available later this year, and will be subject to funding options. The Gerse street culvert will under go an independent engineering report as to its capacity to cope, and possible upgrade options. This should give the residents some comfort," Mr Anderson said.

"Although not totally desirable, both these options are at least recognition by council that something needs to be done.

"I struggle at times how many reports we need on these on going issues with the Airport road already receiving three independent reports all saying the same thing, the culvert is under sized, plus three submissions from Putiki residence and two from Wanganui East residences.

"During this annual plan, there were submissions from four emergency services asking access to the airport be maintained in adverse weather events.

"Lets hope in the case of both these culverts Horizons and the WDC work together instead of separately and finally come to a sensible solution."