Delays to short-term improvements for South Dunedin stormwater infrastructure will be made up in the next financial year, the council says.
For the financial year to March 31, Dunedin City Council spending on short-term stormwater options in the area was about $327,000 under budget.
Just over $173,000 had been spent so far, compared to a budgeted year-to-date spend of $500,000. The full year budget sat at $750,000.
The figures are included in a capital expenditure detail report for today’s finance and performance committee meeting.
A council spokesman said work on short-term options experienced delays during condition assessment of existing infrastructure.
‘‘All projects that cross over two or more financial years can experience acceleration or delays for unforeseen reasons,’’ he said.
‘‘Here the underspend is expected to be picked up in the next financial year.’’
Late Dunedin mayor Jules Radich had advocated for ‘‘urgent’’ short-term measures to improve stormwater systems and drainage in South Dunedin.
A package for that was part of the council’s nine-year plan adopted last year.
Meanwhile, spending to March 31 on South Dunedin flood alleviation was almost $100,000 over budget.
Just over $272,000 had been spent so far, compared to a budgeted year-to-date spend of $177,000 and full year budget of $250,000.
The spokesman said work on the flood alleviation project was accelerated in support of the South Dunedin Future programme — joint work between the Otago Regional Council and city council to develop a long-term climate adaptation master plan for the area.
‘‘As with any large capital programme, some reprioritisation takes place as opportunities to accelerate or unforeseen delays present themselves.’’
