It is unlikely work on Dunedin's Leith Lindsay flood protection scheme will begin before the summer of 2010-11.
The scheme, granted consent in 2007, faced an unsuccessful Environment Court appeal last year and has been dogged by delays as the Otago Regional Council struggles to get information from its contractor Opus International Consultants.
While the council had received detailed design documentation which was now being reviewed, it was still waiting for a final cost estimate for the scheme.
New cost estimates were needed, as the previous costings of about $21.4 million were from 2004.
However, a final date of July 31 has been set for receiving the information.
Environmental engineering and hazards director Gavin Palmer said Opus had been given a "very clear message".
A "prolonged and concerted effort" had been made to remedy the situation through dialogue with Opus' executive management, his report to yesterday's engineering and hazards committee meeting said.
Once the cost estimate was received, council staff would assemble other costs, such as property acquisition and professional services, to derive a total scheme cost.
Further public consultation would then be needed, which could take about three months, leaving the "best case scenario" of the council looking to let tenders for the Union St to Forth St work at about Christmas time.
Chief executive Graeme Martin said given the procedural requirements, there was "no way we could reasonably commence work ahead of summer 2010-11".
Committee chairman Stephen Woodhead said the absence of a cost estimate had consequences.
"In this term of council, it does not look like we'll be undertaking any construction on the Water of Leith."
As a result, it was "opportune" to look at the professional services the council would need in future, Mr Palmer said.
Since the council first signed a contract with Opus in 2003, the scheme's scope had changed.
Future professional service requirements largely related to engineering design and contract documentation and supervision.
The committee recommended arrangements for the contracted professional services scheme be "redetermined".
Timeline
Leith Lindsay Flood Protection Scheme
1997: ORC first looks at enhancement for Leith Lindsay.
2003: Dunedin urban flood scheme in long-term plan.
2003: Opus contracted to provide scheme design.
2006: Scheme adopted.
2006-07: Consents granted.
2008: Environment Court appeal heard and declined.
2008: Opus misses deadlines to provide cost estimate information.
2009: July 31 final deadline for cost estimate information.
