Mayor’s column: Multiple Maitai projects underway

Six significant projects are to be undertaken in the Maitai Valley over the next 18 months involving millions in investment by Council, Government and the private sector.

The first project starts mid-November and addresses backflows when the Maitai River is in flood by installing a new stormwater pipe across Nile Street East near Clouston Bridge.

The second project involves new flood walls, upgraded stopbanks and widening and/or deepening the channel of the Maitai River in the Clouston-Hanby Park area. It will reduce flooding in up to a 1:100-year event, whereas the river currently is at risk of overtopping in a 1:20-year event. We have secured 60% of the cost from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund to the sum of $9 million.

The third project is the installation of new wastewater and water mains along 1.3km from Nile Street East to Ralphine Way to service the new Maitahi development. The fourth is a new cycleway and shared path to be built along Maitai Valley Road that involves two new bridges. These two projects are being principally funded by the Maitahi development and start next February.

The fifth project improves stormwater management on Botanical Hill including a new culvert under Maitai Valley Road to reduce runoff onto homes, the risk of landslips and improve walkway resilience. The sixth is slope stabilisation work on Botanical Hill to protect Maitai Valley Road where there are currently shipping containers.

The Maitai Valley is a special part of Nelson with its parks, walking and cycling trails, swimming holes, campground and golf course. Its significance to Nelsonians makes it more important that we do these projects well.

It will be challenging for Council and contractors co-ordinating these projects, working around the weather, caring for the environment, ensuring access for residents and making sure we get value for money. We will need public support and tolerance in managing the disruption.

The benefits from these projects are fewer homes being flooded and less damage to our infrastructure including roads, cycle and walking trails during extreme storms. It’s also about delivering good-quality infrastructure to support hundreds more homes. It’s the practical stuff our city needs to do to reduce climate risks and support economic growth.