An overgrown drain which has caused flooding in one area of Kurow is to be cleared by the Waitaki District Council, subject to approval from the Ahuriri Community Board at its meeting on Monday.
The flood protection drain, about 2.5km long, runs from Manse Rd through the Kurow racecourse to the Waitaki River, taking water from watercourses in Cattle Valley and Diggers Valley behind Kurow.
But the drain has not been maintained for many years.
It is overgrown and filled with sediment.
During heavy rain last year, the drain topped its banks and water threatened houses in the Paddy's Flat area of Kurow, prompting residents to ask the council to clear it.
Water and wastewater engineer Oscar Smith said the drain needed to be cleared to prevent that happening again.
Maintenance of the drain had been in the hands of the Paddy's Flat flood control committee but, in recent years, it had not been able to carry out the work.
Three contractors were asked to price the work and he recommended a quote of $8790 from Steve McLeod Contracting be accepted, paid for from the Kurow amenity rate.
As well as protecting a number of properties, the drain also provided protection for State Highway 83 by preventing flooding.
The New Zealand Transport Agency had been asked to make a contribution, but had not yet replied.
